A short term community based early stage intervention program for behavior problem youth

Describes an early stage intervention program for delinquent youths, a short term (6-month) and long term (2.7-year) follow-up evaluation. The program consists of three integral parts: (1) working with children through camping; (2) family therapy; and (3) working with the child's school. Youths (247) (X age = 11.4) participated over a 3-year period in short-term camping expeditions. Primary therapy is accomplished through cooperation for survival, meals, planning and utilization of peak experiences. The child's family was involved in learning coping skills, problem solving, etc. Relevant information and strategies were shared with the schools to aid the child further. The short term follow-up revealed significance on 15 of 17 criterion items. The long term follow-up clearly indicates an overall positive trend in support of the program. Selection and evaluation instruments, criteria, and the 16PF are discussed. Further investigations to isolate and study the effects of camping, family therapy, and the schools are being planned.