NCJ Number
206613
Date Published
2004
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This overview of structured wilderness experiences for juvenile offenders reviews the origins of wilderness programs, compares traditional training schools with wilderness adventure programs, outlines the similarities and differences between outdoor programs for juvenile offenders, describes some model programs, and summarizes the findings from wilderness program evaluations.
Abstract
Current wilderness programs for juvenile offenders evolved from two separate directions: forestry camps for youthful offenders and the Outward Bound model begun in Wales during World War II. The earliest outdoor program for juvenile delinquents was established in the 1930's in the Forestry Department in Los Angeles County. By 1996, six pilot programs had been developed in Florida, Utah, and Washington, DC. These types of programs help instill a work ethic among juvenile offenders while providing important national and community service opportunities. It is not uncommon for a wilderness program to have a staffing ratio that ranges from one adult for five youths to almost one-on-one relationships at various intervals during the day. This contrasts with traditional training schools, whose staff-resident ratio is usually 1 counselor for 50 to 100 juveniles. Most of the contacts between staff and juveniles are brief and superficial in training schools, and there is little opportunity for ongoing, therapeutic interaction. Although there are many variations in the structure of wilderness programs, most involve the mastery of difficult physical challenges, opportunities to develop positive self-esteem through achievements, the combining of training in survival skills with academic instruction, and learning how to cooperate with others in completing a task. Wilderness programs tend to differ in the following areas: eligibility criteria, program auspices, point of entry, duration, involvement of family members, type and frequency of counseling, and aftercare. Descriptions and outcome data are provided for 11 of the most widely known wilderness treatment and rehabilitation programs. Key program components are described, including therapeutic camping, rock climbing, wagon train, ocean quests, overnight solo experience, alternative school, and family counseling. Wilderness programs have been found by several researchers to be at least as effective as institutionalization, and in some studies they have been considerably more effective in reducing recidivism. A major impediment in determining the effectiveness of these programs is the lack of systematic longitudinal studies and the inconsistent definitions of recidivism. Additional systematic research will be required before it can be known which of the wilderness programs work best with specific offender groups. 1 table, discussion questions, and 20 references