NCJ Number
174732
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Education Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: Fall 1997 Pages: 263-271
Date Published
1997
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper describes and evaluates a service learning project in which students mentored juveniles who had been referred to adult court and were awaiting trial in an adult jail in Florida.
Abstract
Criminal justice students at the University of West Florida worked with juveniles who were being held in the county jail to achieve three learning objectives: (1) provide students with a deeper understanding of juvenile offender problems and needs; (2) help students learn about jail as an institution and assess its impact on juveniles; and (3) evaluate juvenile offender problems and needs in light of various punishment alternatives. A survey instrument was designed to assess student attitudes toward the mentoring project so that modifications could be made if needed. Survey responses indicated that students had more positive attitudes toward the project at its conclusion than at the beginning. Students who reported positive attitudes were more likely to focus on what they learned or received from the experience than on whether they had an impact on juveniles. In general, students developed an appreciation of the link between social influences and crime, and gained insights on the correctional environment and the difficulty of realizing the goals of deterrence, rehabilitation, and even punishment in such a setting. The mentoring project helped students formulate a more thoughtful analysis of the juvenile crime problem and juvenile corrections. 8 references, 1 footnote, and 4 tables