NCJ Number
69893
Journal
California Youth Authority Quarterly Volume: 32 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer/Fall 1980) Pages: 38-42
Date Published
1980
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Three intensive treatment programs in the California Youth Authority are designed to serve young men (who are severely emotionally disturbed) through treatment in a secure setting.
Abstract
The program objectives, as stated in the 1977 California Budget Change Proposal, are to provide prescriptive psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, identify specific treatment strategies, return the youth to the community better able to function, increase other programs' effectiveness by removing disturbed youths from them, and minimize the damaging effects of inappropriate correctional programs. The Redwood Lodge at the Preston School of Industry has one such program designed around individualization of treatment, wellness of mind, soul, and body, and a climate that encourages personal responsibility development. The staff learn to employ empathy, to assist in the search for several options, and to encourage the use of a new skill in the problem setting. When the youth arrives, he states his objectives, and a staff of social workers, youth counselors, nurses, teachers, psychologists, and psychiatrists compile a synthesized list of problems and corresponding desired outcomes and the resources needed to achieve them. An appropriate treatment plan is developed. Various types of data recorded include daily behavioral observation ratings, staff reports, time projections, psychological profiles, and disciplinary reports. The average length of stay is only a few months. Completion of treatment focuses on preparing the youth to function in the stressful environment of another facility or in the community.