Mentoring incarcerated youth to reduce recidivism
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Abstract
In Imperial County, California, Foster Grandparents who mentor and tutor youth in juvenile hall provide social and emotional support, as well as literacy skills, and can be a decisive factor in helping youth turn their lives around. This effective practice was highlighted in the National Service News, Issue No. 208, October 2004, published by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Issue
Youth in juvenile hall often come from families with histories of incarceration, abuse and neglect, often lack positive relationships with adults, have strong affiliations with gangs, and frequently perform below grade-level in academics. Youth with a parent in prison are seven times more likely to be involved in the criminal court system and spend time in jail or prison themselves. The introduction of a reliable mentor during adolescence can greatly reduce the likelihood that such conditions will lead to further criminal activity and incarceration as an adult.
Action
According to the National Service News, Foster Grandparents in Imperial County are making a difference in the lives of youth. After being sent to juvenile hall for a variety of reasons, including committing burglary and assault, and/or involvement with drugs, youth are mentored and tutored by Foster Grandparents. A strong commitment by the volunteers, extensive training and a network of support contribute to the success of the program.
Training
- The Foster Grandparents undergo 40 hours of training to prepare them for their mentoring duties.
- Foster Grandparents complete an additional four-week pre-employment and work-training class so that they can help the youth fill out job applications and prepare for interviews.
- Eight Foster Grandparents, in two teams of four, mentor and tutor youth twenty hours each week.
- Because many youth enter the program reading at a third or fourth grade level, a book club is included in the program to improve reading skills. Youth who are struggling with reading lag behind in all subjects. The Probation Facility Manager asked to take this project on and he and the Foster Grandparents work with groups of 4-5 youth. The youth are asked to read a particular book and have weekly discussions about what they are reading and reflect about the book through journaling.
Support
- One of the strongest keys to success, especially early in the project start up, has been through weekly support group meetings with project staff and the Foster Grandparents. This particular population of youth have many tragic stories of past abuse and neglect. The emotional drain can be very difficult on the Foster Grandparents. There is a need for consistent support and encouragement and ways to effectively set self-limits and problem solve. The Foster Grandparents receive peer support from one another each week, in addition to attending regular meetings with the Catholic Charities staff to work out problems that may come up.
- The program also has a strong commitment from the Imperial County Probation Department. If a project of this kind is going to make a difference it is critical that the vision is shared by the collaborative partners. In this case there is strong support from the Juvenile Probation administration.
Context
Sharin Yetman, who established the program through Catholic Charities of the Diocese of San Diego, was inspired by President Bush's message in his 2002 State of the Union address that children of prisoners need mentors to help them avoid prison themselves.The program focuses on young people who have high rates of recidivism and parents in prison in an attempt to break the cycle of incarceration that spans generations. One young man had a brother in juvenile hall, while his father, uncle, and grandfather were all imprisoned. Many of those served have at least one parent in prison; in fact, 79 percent of the incarcerated youth participating in a recent survey have parents who have spent time in jail. Areas of concentration are academic (many are reading at a third grade level) and psycho/social and emotional supports.
Imperial County extends over 4,597 square miles, bordering on Mexico to the south, Riverside County to the north, San Diego County on the west, and the State of Arizona on the east, and is California's poorest county. There are an estimated 52 gangs in Imperial County and many, if not most of these youth have some link to gang affiliation.
Outcome
- Participants in the year-old program are less likely to commit serious crimes.
- One young man is now attending junior college and credits the Foster Grandparents with his success. Two others have enrolled in Job Corps.
- Many of the young people who have been served describe the Foster Grandparents as the first people in their lives who have cared about them.
- The Foster Grandparents help youth reconnect with their families and encourage them to remain in foster placements when released from juvenile hall.
- Improvement has been seen in reading skills among the youth as a result of the book club, a fun and non-threatening way to enhance literacy.
- Some of the youth continue to maintain contact with the Foster Grandparents after leaving juvenile hall.
Evidence
Through special federal funding the Foster Grandparents have been placed at the juvenile facility, since October 2003. In a short time they have been making significant strides with the youth.
Posted On
November 3, 2004For More Information
Related Practices
Related sites
Family and Corrections Network
