Many youth who have been physically or sexually abused or exposed to substance abuse or domestic violence in their families react especially negatively to imposed outside controls. Although youth may alter their behavior momentarily to avoid adverse consequences, attitudes and behaviors seldom change as a result of punishment. Given their reaction against unfairness, imposed structure, and punishment, it is not surprising that young people reject what might be offered as assistance when they mistrust the adults in charge as unfair, controlling, and punitive. If this mistrust of unfair, controlling, and punitive adults is subdued, it undermines the very survival technique that has allowed these youths to make it as far as they have. Ironically, as states build juvenile boot camps that are likely to fail, the ingredients for services that enable delinquents to invest in noncriminal futures are well-known.
Delinquents change their behavior when services build on their strengths and meet their needs.
These programs provide opportunities for success and celebrate each youth's competence. Recognizing that school and noncriminal employment have been inaccessible, these programs offer youths real preparation for self-respecting work. They meet each youth's need to be in charge. These programs emphasize making choices and encourage genuine youth involvement in designing the daily routine and carrying out tasks. They meet each youth's need to appreciate the strengths of their families.