ABSTRACT
By the time juveniles reach the correctional system, they have usually failed in, or been failed by, various checkpoints along the way: family, school, social service agencies. Their demographic profiles suggest many areas where they have struggled throughout childhood and early adolescence. Most committed youths are targeted for special services long before reaching Department of Youth Services. Managing youth behavior is at the heart of several related concerns, including: protection of residents and staff from violent behaviors; deterrence of inappropriate behaviors; reinforcement for pro-social behaviors; training for staff; and planning environmental changes. Effective rehabilitation programs require that a treatment philosophy is articulated in a way that communicates the program’s purpose and goals to the community, staff, residents, and their families. The development of a continuum of care is facilitated by two factors: implementation of a case management model, and the involvement of the private nonprofit sector in program development and management.
