NCJ Number
102144
Journal
Child Welfare Volume: 58 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1979) Pages: 37-46
Date Published
1979
Length
10 pages
Annotation
By establishing community-based followup programs, social workers could reinforce and sustain the positive attitudes and behaviors juveniles develop in the Outward Bound program, which uses wilderness survival experiences to increase emotional maturity.
Abstract
Outward Bound exposes juvenile delinquents to a series of Outward Bound exposes juvenile delinquents to a series of physical and social challenges in a stressful environment. Physical challenges include backpacking, sailing, and rock climbing. Social stress is experienced within groups (8 to 12 persons and a leader) that require cooperation and leadership. The program lasts a month and consists of five phases: skills training, a long expedition, the solos (a 3-day period in solitude), final testing events, and community service. The program develops physical and psychological persistence, improves interpersonal skills, and teaches juveniles to use their abilities to serve others. Research indicates that Outward Bound is more effective in reducing recidivism than traditional institutional rehabilitation methods. A longitudinal study, however, indicates that the impact of Outward Bound diminishes over time. This could be remedied if social workers would serve as Outward Bound leaders and continue to provide support and counseling to juvenile participants in a followup program. A followup community-based program could include outdoor programs, community service placements, alternative education programs, and appropriate counseling. 9 references.