Tailoring Established After-School Programs to Meet Urban Realities (From Violence in American Schools: A New Perspective, P 348-375, 1998, Delbert S. Elliott, Beatrix A. Hamburg, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-185565)

• NCJ Number: 185577
• Author(s): Marcia R. Chaiken
• Date Published: 1998
• Length: 28 pages
• Sale Source: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This paper describes new urban initiatives by national organizations with proven ability to promote child and youth development, with emphasis on their efforts to provide after-school programs that respond to the needs and harsh realities of inner-city children.

Abstract

These national organizations include Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Boy Scouts of America, Girls Incorporated, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., National Association of Police Athletic Leagues, National 4-H Council, and the YMCA of the U.S.A. Central ingredients of promising approaches that have taken place in Bristol, Conn., Arlington, Tex., and Spokane, Washington include the maintenance of high standards and the provision of assistance in meeting them, as well as the clear specification of rules and consequences. Other ingredients include the provision of varied, active and interactive, challenging, goal-directed, and humorous activities; activities for teenagers based on current knowledge of adolescent development; and the use of the same strategies for normal teens as for youths already in trouble. Further ingredients include the creation of partnerships to meet the multiple needs of youth and collaborations among youth service organizations and local police agencies. Table, notes, and 16 references