Suggestions for how DJJ can effectively help juveniles who are incarcerated

According to Dr. James Garbarino, national expert on violence and trauma, when kids feel they are affirmed and respected, they are less likely to turn to violence.

What many incarcerated youth are experiencing;

-loss of loved ones

-loss of positive male role models

-trauma/PTSD

-family violence

-meaninglessness

-lack of trust

-rejection

-fear of failure

How we can help:

“The first resilience factor is a stable positive emotional relationship with at least one person, someone absolutely committed to the child and to whom the child feels a strong positive attachment (Garbarino, 1999).” He suggests the following:

§   Spiritual Anchors (which can lead to a sense of purpose and meaningfulness)

§   Psychological Anchors (which can help provide strategies for building resiliency

   and learn coping skills to actively respond to events rather than passively react to them)

§   Social Anchors (that can unconditionally meet the developmental needs of the juveniles)

Based on journal research and documented studies by psychologists and other mental health professionals, spirituality in the form of non-punitive religion, exerts an anchoring effect on kids. Once this spiritual foundation is in place, then educational programs, counseling, vocational experiences, and regular psychotherapy can help these boys move to a positive path in his life.