NCJ Number
129665
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 53 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1991) Pages: 166,172,174
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Wizards or ultimate motivators are the heart and mind of an effective juvenile program.
Abstract
There is no single, magical treatment philosophy, and most effective programs cannot be replicated. A range of treatment philosophies is necessary to meet the needs of young people and to take advantage of the various talents of staff. One of the strengths of the wizards who operate effective adolescent programs is their acknowledgement that the treatment goal is to change values. Wizards recognize their responsibility to help youths cope with the conflict between their new and their original values and to train staff to invest a substantial portion of their time enabling youth to accept new values without rejecting their origins. Wizards, whose great genius is their appreciation of the chemistry between staff and the young people, seek special characteristics in their staff such as an affection for the young people with whom they work, a belief that anything is possible, patience, a tolerance for unpredictability, and a range of ways of accomplishing goals. The essential chemistry between staff and youths occurs only in programs with special leaders. These leaders embody the mission of their programs and live according to the values on which their programs are based.