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Cambridge Alternatives - Supervised Activities Scheme - A Joint Venture Between Voluntary Community Management Committee and Cambridge Social Services

NCJ Number
92996
Author(s)
P Wilson
Date Published
1983
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This report describes an intermediate treatment scheme, the Cambridge Alternatives, to divert and rehabilitate youths between 14 and 17 who are persistent delinquents. The proposed plan is modeled after the Cambridge Intermediate Treatment program for youths at moderate risk of offending.
Abstract
The program has been designed to confront the delinquent with his or her offending and recognize the consequences of such actions, as well as provide activities to divert these juveniles away from criminal acts and into constructive efforts. It will provide counseling if needed, identify special skills, and keep the young person in contact with the community through relationships with adult volunteers and placement in community work settings. Cambridge Alternatives program will last for 12 weeks, occurring over 3 hourly sessions on 4 evenings a week and on Saturday afternoon. Some sessions will take place within the project's premises, while others will involve another community agency or club. Responsibility for program implementation will be shared by volunteer workers and the project leader. Topics covered in the Cambridge Alternatives sessions are understanding the law and your rights in it, social and life skills, remedial education, practical skills and introduction to work, craft/project workshop, community project work, and leisure/ sport activities. The report details the objectives and methods used in each session and provides a timetable. It also lists eligibility criteria and the responsibilities of the young person, the supervisor, and the project. The appendix contains a newspaper article, a referral form, and a placement contract.