NCJ Number
30689
Date Published
1975
Length
32 pages
Annotation
THIS CENTER PROVIDES A SHORT-TERM HIGH IMPACT TYPE OF COUNSELING SERVICE DESIGNED TO DEAL WITH DELINQUENCY PREVENTION IN THE FORM OF EARLY INTERVENTION WITH PREDELINQUENT YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES.
Abstract
THE TYPES OF INTERVENTION USED IN THIS PROGRAM INCLUDE INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING, DIRECT REFERALS, GROUP COUNSELING AND PARENT TRAINING SESSIONS. THE COUNSELING IS PARTICULARLY DIRECTED TOWARD BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION. MEASURABLE PROGRAM RESULTS WERE ANTICIPATED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: REDUCTION OF DELINQUENT ACTIVITIES OF PROGRAM YOUTH AND REDIRECTION OF ENERGIES INTO PRODUCTIVE CHANNELS; EDUCATING PARENTS TO COPE WITH THE NEEDS AND PROBLEMS OF THEIR CHILDREN; AND ASSISTING CLIENTS TO ESTABLISH RAPPORT WITH AREA YOUTH SERVICES AGENCIES TO FACILITATE REFERRALS. THE PROGRAM WAS ASSESSED BASED ON AN EVALUATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT, A COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS, AN EVALUATION OF PROGRAM COORDINATION, REFERRAL, AND OPERATION, AN EVALUATION OF PHYSICAL PLANT AND SPACE UTILIZATION, AND AN ANALYSIS OF STAFF UTILIZATION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION. THE EVALUATOR, A VOLUNTEER WHO WORKED WITH THE STAFF DURING THE PROGRAM, FOUND MAJOR DEFICIENCIES IN THE WAY ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS COORDINATED WITH PROGRAM OPERATIONS AND SUGGESTED THE COMPILATION AND USE OF AN OPERATIONS MANUAL STATING THE ORGANIZATIONAL AND PROCEDURAL INFORMATION. REQUIRING PARENTAL INTERVIEWS BEFORE INTAKE WAS RECOMMENDED TO IMPROVE THE PROGRAM'S POOR PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT. IT WAS ALSO FOUND THAT SPACE UTILIZATION DID NOT LEND ITSELF TO THE PRIVACY AND NOISE CONTROL NEEDED FOR PROGRAM OPERATION AND AN ALTERNATIVE SPACE UTILIZATION PLAN IS DETAILED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)