NCJ Number
160949
Date Published
February 1996
Length
25 pages
Publication Series
Annotation
This video of a national satellite teleconference on juvenile boot camps explores general characteristics of juvenile boot camps, offers a forum on juvenile boot camps, profiles a model juvenile boot camp in New York, and assesses the results of the "Impact Evaluation of Three Juvenile Boot Camps."
Abstract
The first portion of the video provides an overview of the common features of boot camps, using narration, video footage of boot camp operations, and video charts for key instructional concepts. Boot camp programs are typically designed to provide an intermediate sanction, promote basic traditional and moral values, increase academic achievement, provide discipline through physical conditioning and teamwork, instill a work ethic, and include activities to reduce drug and alcohol abuse among juvenile offenders. The forum on juvenile boot camp operational concepts, implementation issues, and characteristics consists of panel comments on viewer call-in questions. The video then profiles the Youth Development Program at the Sgt. Henry Johnson Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) in South Kortright, New York, which is considered by many experts to be a model boot camp program. Through a series of interviews, the video examines staff and juvenile interaction in the daily operation of the facility. The YLA is an intensive, highly structured and physically rigorous rehabilitation program for juvenile delinquents. Based on the latest developments in military training, the YLA supports and empowers its residents in creating and achieving positive personal goals. Program goals, program content, eligibility, philosophy, and aftercare are profiled. The review of the "Impact Evaluation of Three Juvenile Boot Camps" shows an impressive rate of program completion, improvements in academic skills for most youth, and employment success in the aftercare phase. None of the three boot camps apparently reduced recidivism over the study period; however, their cost-effectiveness compared to traditional institutions was established. A Participant's Resource Packet accompanies the video.
Date Published: February 1, 1996