NCJ Number
152099
Journal
Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1994) Pages: 1-3
Date Published
1994
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Traditional psychological training and therapy models are often not as appropriate for juvenile offenders as a correctional therapy model.
Abstract
The juvenile court should be utilized to the fullest extent in working with juvenile offenders. In addition, juvenile offenders should be required to compensate the victim, society, and the community, and they may need temporary out-of-home placement before intervention is attempted to deal with family problems. Specialized interviewing and diagnostic skills are important in assessing each juvenile offender and the need for placement. Psychological testing may be necessary to identify psychotic or borderline conditions, and many factors must be considered in the psychological evaluation of juvenile offenders. Experience indicates that correctional programs can have as much or more impact as residential or therapy programs because a correctional model frequently involves greater offender accountability and responsibility. A correctional therapy model offers discipline and structure which can be supplemented with counseling and relationship building. Juvenile offenders appear to respond to an environment with clear limits and structure, and correctional facilities can provide a degree of strength and control.