NCJ Number
81258
Date Published
1980
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The Freiburg Juvenile Assistance (FHW) project, a local program for early recognition and individualized assistance to antisocial children and juveniles in Freiburg, W. Germany, is described.
Abstract
The FHW was founded in 1947 to help youths overcome the general disorientation of postwar conditions. Early on the project acquired its own facility and operated with a balanced staff of professionals and volunteers. In 1971 a research institute was established to document the project's existing treatment methods and develop new approaches. Clients are socially maladjusted local youths (between 7 and 22 years of age) who have evidenced runaways and other delinquent behaviors. Treatment at FHW is entirely voluntary and based on individual, group, and peer counseling and joint experiences to strengthen clients' positive personality features. Treatment progresses over several years from a highly structured format to gradual unsupervised reintegration into the society at large. Therapists' acceptance of the individual is a prerequisite, reinforced later by parental involvement and support from community schools, agencies, and businesses. Early objectives are enabling youths to be self-reliant in such basic social skills as organizing their time and dealing with others -- from peers to juvenile justice authorities. Program highlights include week-end retreats to the country and even a group trip abroad. The research institute serves a diagnostic and documentation function within the program framework. In addition, FHW also operates a residential home for youths whose delinquent and institutionalization histories are more serious. Another component of FHW is an employment-oriented program that encourages unskilled youths to discover an area of interest and develop familiarity with the field in preparation for a job. Features that have made this program successful are an outreach effort that functions through informal networks, individualized and flexible treatment approaches, a stable and well-trained staff, family involvement, community support, and a scientific complement to the practical activities. Footnotes are supplied.