NCJ Number
133458
Journal
Journal of Addictions and Offender Counseling Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (October 1991) Pages: 12-27
Date Published
1991
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Project Choices is a residential treatment program for drug-abusing juvenile delinquents that has proved effective so far; it uses an adventure-based counseling model to change behavior by reducing conduct-disordered behavior associated with delinquency and drug abuse.
Abstract
The program operates in Georgia and achieves its goal through positive interactions with a firm but understanding staff, along with caring confrontation and consequences from peers who are also drug abusers. The use of placement homes and placement home counselors who serve as house parents create a family atmosphere. In addition, the youths' family members are included in special weekend programs and are involved throughout the transitional aftercare program. Project Choices is a program of Project Adventure, Inc. which began in 1971. An evaluation analyzed data from 29 youths in 3 groups using information on behavior, drug consumption analysis through urinalysis, pre-treatment and post-treatment MMPI scores, measures of self-esteem, and other indicators. Results showed that the program has produced positive changes which supported its continuation and further followup research. Figures and 26 references