College-Correctional Collaboration in the Treatment of Juvenile Offenders: Evaluation of a Program Model in Six Sites. Final Report

• Main Authors: Grissom, Grant R, McMurphy, Suzanne
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 13-06-1986
• Subjects: Community Colleges; Cooperative Programs; Correctional Education; Delinquent Rehabilitation; Institutional Cooperation; Program Effectiveness; Program Evaluation; Rehabilitation Programs; Two Year Colleges; Youth Problems

Since 1984, several New Jersey community colleges have become involved in providing treatment services and basic skills and vocational training to juvenile offenders. An evaluation of programs at six of these sites involved the collection of test data on students' basic skills, staff ratings of students' attitudes and behaviors, the administration of a confidential questionnaire to students concerning their experience with computer-assisted instruction, on-site observations, and interviews with college and corrections staff and students. Study findings, based on data on 104 juvenile offenders/students, included the following: (1) students showed strong gains in both math and verbal skills; (2) over 80% learned to use computers effectively and responded very positively to them; (3) college involvement contributed to the youths' self-image and helped to neutralize the effects of labeling; (4) though quantitative data on the effectiveness of vocational education were not available, most programs seemed to help students develop good work habits and favorable attitudes toward employment; (5) the programs had a positive impact on attitudes toward learning; and (6) behavioral changes were consistently positive, but generally modest. Information on the programs at each site, discussions of funding and follow-up, and survey instruments are included with the report. (AJL)