NCJ Number
108629
Journal
Journal of Offender Counseling Services and Rehabilitation Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall/Winter 1987) Pages: 113-129
Date Published
1987
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Positive peer culture (PPC) approaches are based on the assumption that one of the major causes of delinquency is peer group influence and that this influence can be channeled in positive directions by giving troubled youth an opportunity to care for and help each other.
Abstract
Using this approach involves 1-hour group meetings held for 1 hour three to five times a week. The adult leader serves as facilitator, ensuring that all members participate and that group members stay on task. Group members talk about their experiences and any special problems. A summary session uses a problem identification and solving approach and provides a frame for future sessions. In dealing with problems, the group members remind each other to check behaviors, confront negative behaviors, and control negative behaviors when necessary. This approach helps group members to become active learners, develop self-awareness and interpersonal communication skills, enhance self-esteem, learn to care for and help others, and practice socially acceptable behaviors. A program using this approach with delinquent youth in a Kansas facility was modified to include a reward and sanction system. Member self-reports, and staff observations indicate the effectiveness of the approach. 18 notes.