Law-Related Education as Correctional Education in Residential Settings: Promoting Positive Social Development (From Law-Related Education and Juvenile Justice, P 160-173, 1997, Deborah Williamson, Kevin I Minor, and James W Fox, eds. -- See NCJ-167087)

• NCJ Number: 167097
• Author(s): T Buzzell
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper examines how selected residential programs have used law-related education (LRE).

Abstract

The discussion begins with an overview of the rationale for using LRE in residential programs. Programs in California, Iowa, and Alabama are discussed in the context of Hamm's framework of bringing about change in correctional education. Hamm offers a guide for implementing correctional education programs under what he describes as sub-optimal conditions. Those guidelines that seem especially applicable to the adoption of LRE in a residential setting are the focus of analysis: piloting with external support, demonstration of client benefits, establishment of goals and outcomes, and dealing with offenders in the institution. This paper outlines for the juvenile justice practitioner ideas for overcoming hurdles to the implementation of new correctional education programs in residential settings and consider what role LRE might play in the positive development of youth being held in residential facilities. There are a number of experiences from projects across the Nation that suggest LRE can promote positive youth development; moreover, the experiences of the sites discussed suggest that barriers to the implementation of an LRE program can be managed successfully. LRE offers facilities an opportunity for success. 28 references