Treating the Violent Juvenile Offender (From Insights Into Violence in Contemporary Canadian Society, P 298-304, 1987, James M MacLatchie, ed. -- See NCJ-122437)

• NCJ Number: 122474
• Author(s): J Borgo
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: John Howard Soc of Canada
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: Canada
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This paper reviews the experiences of Montreal's Shawbridge Treatment Centre -- a treatment center for emotionally disturbed and delinquent juveniles since 1907 -- in treating violent juvenile offenders.

Abstract

Shawbridge provides secure treatment for juveniles with serious levels of personal disturbance, seriously debilitating family experiences, and histories of violence both against themselves and others. Shawbridge has proven effective in controlling residents' behaviors while they are institutionalized, in changing their attitudes and perspectives, and in modifying their interactions with others. Shawbridge's effectiveness in addressing the root causes of the violence of which the residents have been both the victims and the perpetrators, however, is not so clear. One of the dilemmas is how to vary the program to serve those with the greatest needs while not infringing on the civil rights of the other residents. Another problem is preparing staff to deal with the reasons that have brought the residents into treatment, including the offending patterns. Staff have typically focused on behavior in the program. Staff have also had difficulty dealing with sexually abusive family histories. Consistency in service delivery and philosophy is difficult to maintain as well. Another program area that needs strengthening is preparation of residents for entry into the job market after leaving the facility.