NCJ Number
234327
Journal
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 27 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2011 Pages: 110-121
Date Published
February 2011
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the effects of the Prodigy program on Hispanic youth with mental health symptom.
Abstract
The social problem of juvenile delinquency continues to place resource strain on the juvenile justice system and related institutions. Given the disproportionate representation of minorities in the justice system, generally, and the pronounced increase regarding system contact with Hispanics, specifically, there is a dire need for culturally competent prevention and early intervention efforts in terms of individual rehabilitation, public safety, and system relief. This study examined a cultural arts program, Prodigy, delivered in south Florida to participant groups including heavy Hispanic representation to explore the efficacy of prosocial programming, especially self-regulation skills, in offsetting delinquency risk factors. Results suggest that cultural arts programming is effective for allieviating depression, anxiety, and related mental health issues as well as bolstering positive familial relations. Discussion is oriented around the need for further research on cultural arts programming configured for Hispanic delinquency prevention. (Published Abstract)