NCJ Number
85869
Date Published
1982
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The report describes the success of experiential (adventure) programs in rehabilitating court offenders and identifies factors important in implementing such programs for youth in contact with the courts.
Abstract
Adventure education uses the experiences of the natural environment to challenge the physical and psychological capabilities of participants. These programs are designed to induce stress by presenting the youth with a problem posing a threat to life and fragile psyches. By conquering the problem, the youth builds confidence and cooperative skills. Participants should be willing to change. They should be attracted to the program and honest about behavior problems. Program design is flexible; a brief counseling period is recommended depending upon the individual's needs. The Institute for Creative Living and Windward Bound are two experiential programs in the Cleveland area. Notes and 17 references are supplied. An appendix outlines results from other relevant programs.