NCJ Number
135894
Date Published
1991
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Two types of outdoor activities, outward bound courses and the voluntary outdoor activity camps, are presented as alternatives to institutionalization for juvenile offenders in Tasmania.
Abstract
The extended outward bound courses are strenuous, both physically and mentally, and last about 4 to 5 weeks. Background variables, such as first court appearance, presence of both parents in the home, or first institutionalization type of offence are important conditions affecting recidivism, although overall the program has had positive effects on recidivism. The program was found to be most successful for delinquents who stole material goods or cars and for youths who were responding to an adolescent crisis rather than to a character defect appeared to profit most. The voluntary short term outdoor activity camps used in conjunction with community activities have been in operation for some time in Tasmania. Project Hahn, in particular, uses outdoor pursuits to attain personal success and achievement. It is based on the principles of meeting individual needs, group needs, challenge and safety, and involvement of probation and parole officers. To date, over a 5-year period, 520 people have attended Project Hahn. Although the total numbers of probationers referred to outdoor courses is low, in Tasmania there is sufficient encouraging evidence to suggest that a positive impact on their development has been made. 15 references