NCJ Number
240171
Date Published
May 2009
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The Office of Research of California's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation reports on its review of the Phoenix/New Freedom gang-intervention curriculum.
Abstract
The review found that the curriculum is theoretically based, with the resource material being comprehensive, validated, and focused on important issues. These issues include the core of high-risk behavior and mind-set. Resources use the evidence-based concepts of the social learning model and key coping and problem solving skills for both positive social development and relapse prevention. The curriculum contains a variety of materials from which to choose. Workbooks are gender-specific, age-appropriate, and are presented in both Spanish and English. Topics addressed include anger management, depression, anxiety, self-harm, substance abuse, trauma, and sleep disorders. A pre-release module is also provided. The intervention model uses cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT). There is also an emphasis on motivational interviewing. The curriculum can be tailored to the needs of an individual youth, allowing for greater programming flexibility. Based on the qualitative information from this review of curriculum materials, discussions with the curriculum's author, and findings from the telephone survey of those who have used the curriculum, the curriculum looks promising. In the event that California's Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) adopts the curriculum for its gang intervention programming at institutions and camps, this report recommends that DJJ's Juvenile Facilities branch work with the Juvenile Research Branch, the Governor's Office of Gang and Youth violence Policy, and the principal investigator to assist in the evaluation design and funding. Survey responses are provided from States that are using or have used the curriculum.