If you had the choice of traveling around the United States by a wagon train, sailing on a 130-foot schooner, camping in the wilderness or serving time in a detention center, which would you choose?
As unusual as this may sound, some offending American teenagers are given this choice.
Authorities who work with young offenders say many young people involved in vandalism, stealing, shoplifting and similar offenses have often just made bad decisions without thinking about how their actions affect others.
With this is mind, alternatives to juvenile detention have become popular among some law enforcement officials.
Some teens in trouble now have alternatives to jail terms.
As unusual as this may sound, some offending American teenagers are given this choice.
Authorities who work with young offenders say many young people involved in vandalism, stealing, shoplifting and similar offenses have often just made bad decisions without thinking about how their actions affect others.
With this is mind, alternatives to juvenile detention have become popular among some law enforcement officials.
Some teens in trouble now have alternatives to jail terms.
One example is VisionQuest. Those involved must make a one-year commitment, abstain from involvement with sex, drugs, alcohol and tobacco during their stay and complete three VisionQuest programs, some of which are listed below.
Quests. Quests may be cross-country horseback or bicycle expeditions or a several week guided trek through forest land.
Wagon Trains. Participants travel across the United States with a group of 10 to 12 mule-drawn wagons.
OceanQuest. Young people learn navigation, water safety and sailing techniques aboard one of two schooners.
Through these programs teens develop positive relationships with others. The many lessons they learn include cooperation, self-discipline, teamwork, respect for authority, responsibility and the work ethic.
Each of these programs includes four hours of school classes a day, five days a week.
Similar programs are growing in popularity. Some authorities believe teens can turn their lives around better through counseling and working with others than by sitting in a jail cell.
-By Larry Johnson
Taken from Youth 90 magazine
Quests. Quests may be cross-country horseback or bicycle expeditions or a several week guided trek through forest land.
Wagon Trains. Participants travel across the United States with a group of 10 to 12 mule-drawn wagons.
OceanQuest. Young people learn navigation, water safety and sailing techniques aboard one of two schooners.
Through these programs teens develop positive relationships with others. The many lessons they learn include cooperation, self-discipline, teamwork, respect for authority, responsibility and the work ethic.
Each of these programs includes four hours of school classes a day, five days a week.
Similar programs are growing in popularity. Some authorities believe teens can turn their lives around better through counseling and working with others than by sitting in a jail cell.
-By Larry Johnson
Taken from Youth 90 magazine
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