Big Brother Big Sister Mentoring Program

The importance of my mentorship with Big Brothers Big Sisters lies within the motto of Go Girls!, “Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds,” which for any young girl is an important step in growing up. For me, I always had someone older to turn to whether it be a parent, a teacher I was close with, an older friend, or a cousin while growing up. However, for many young girls they may not have such a positive influence to turn to within their lives. It was easy to relate to a lot of girls within the program as they all happened to be between the ages of 13 and 15, and being 18 means it was not very long ago that I found myself within their shoes. I have a younger sister who also happens to be within the age group of these girls so bonding with them and

Prisons today are pushed to their limits, both state, and federal prisons. Inmates are forced to live in unsanitary, unhealthy, unsafe, and poor conditions. Men and woman should not be made to sleep on floors, sleep in tents outside, or fight for a spot in a long line to shower. This issue needs to be addressed, and some states have proceeded to do so and have had great results.

I will have an internship with the Department of Juvenile Justice in Chicago during this summer, so this book provided examples of how to approach the prison environment. The case histories which impacted me, mainly was the Case Histories I, which illustrated Mrs. Chase and her interactions with the inmates. I feel this case influenced me because I am also female with no experience, who is about to work in a juvenile facility. I will face some of the same obstacles as Mrs. Chase since some of the juveniles are not far from my ages. However, this book taught me ways to hinder the interaction with inmates into a professional only demeanor. For instance, when approaching me, I will make it clear that I will only be addressed by my last name, and will not respond anything other than my last name. Additionally, I will not disclose any personal information to the inmates; however, I will provide information if it’s appropriate for the situation. Moreover, I want to build a relationship with the inmates to show that I am here to help them, better themselves, but not for personal reasons, such as intimate relationships or outside

Some juveniles that went through traumatic experiences which led to their sentencing will be able to get to the roots of their issues, since the counselors will be there to guide them.

The Texas juvenile justice system is comprised of 166 juvenile probation departments serving all 254 Texas counties. Approximately 98% of youth in the Texas juvenile justice system are provided services through their local probation departments. These departments and residential facilities provide numerous services, but only a small number of facilities offer programs and housing for mental health juvenile offenders. Many public officials, officers, educational staff and those dealing with juvenile offenders are typically quick to label a juvenile as a typical behavioral issue. This is normally the case but in recent years data has showed that… “Of the new admissions in 2014, there were 54% who presented with at psychiatric diagnosis, indicating a need for mental health care.” Certified peace officers,

The Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) began in 1992 by the Annie C. Casey Foundation with the purpose of providing alternatives to low-risk teens being placed in detention centers. Detention decisions are based on criteria standards for possible alternatives to incarceration. Data is collected to provide accurate numbers to help diagnose and provide alternative solutions to system issues. The JDAI is also actively involved in collaborating between government agencies, and policies regarding these system issues and youth reform. Incarceration options also reduce teens being placed in detention for warrants, awaiting placement and violations.

However the way juvenile our house and treated while in the care of state corrections officer is more detrimental mental and physical health of juvenile offenders as explained in Neil Bernstein (2014) Burning down the House. Neil Bernstein (2014) takes an in-depth look into juvenile prisons facilities practices and procedures that has a life altering effect on juveniles entering correctional facilities.

Research has revealed that a father’s involvement in his child’s life greatly improves the child’s chances for success. Helping incarcerated fathers foster stronger connections with their children (where appropriate) can have a positive effect for children. What is needed is stronger training of social workers and prison personnel to help males with bonding and effective parenting skills. Prisons also need to work on reorganizing visiting spaces in prisons because they are not always

Peer mentoring is one of a range of peer support frameworks used in schools where students provide support to other students. Peer mentoring provides an alternative avenue of support by offering support from the peer group rather than adults. Research has shown that students respond well to peer mentors and feel a connection with someone that is closer to their age and more closely connected to the experience of high school. The mentors serve in a dichotomous role as older more experienced source of support that one can turn to for advice and guidance, while simultaneously serving as a friend and peer that one can relax and have fun with. This is a role that many times adult mentors cannot fulfill, which makes peer mentoring unique and sometimes

Education was not the only problem that limited juveniles from receiving successful forms of rehabilitation. The unprofessionalism and abuse from staff members on wards was also a contributing problem. There were many cases in which wards were also abusive towards the staff, making CYA directors and staff members more cautious of their safety. Although this is the case, the CYA was making a ton of money for housing each ward, so should these hard tax paying dollars go towards staffs who are unleashing their frustrations of the job on the wards or should it go towards better training employees on how to effectively de-escalate violent situations. The frustration goes for both parties. In the article Murder, Suicide and German Shepherds Prisoner Abuse in the California Youth Authority Mirrors Abu Ghraib by Russell Morse talks about how “On January 20, two adult guards at a YA facility in Stockton were caught on surveillance tape repeatedly punching (28 times in the face) and kicking (11 times in the stomach and legs) two teenage wards. The day before,

In the literature, mentoring programs are often advocated as an effective intervention in helping young offenders in fostering one-to-one relationships (a young offender with a caring adult) and in connecting them to promising education and employment opportunities upon their release Supporters of this view highlight that positive relationship with caring adults strengthens the protective factors which help young offenders to overcome structural and institutional hurdles to having healthy and productive lives. Keating,

The Federal Bureau of Prisons contracts with Residential Re-entry Centers (RRCFs), also known as halfway houses, to provide assistance to inmates who are nearing release. A traditional supervised RRCF provides a structured environment, counseling, job placement, and other services; ergo, each halfway house is unique in regards to the programs offered and the type of clients they serve. A prisoner re-entry program, halfway houses help inmates to gradually rebuild their ties to the community and facilitate supervising offenders' activities during this readjustment phase. This dissertation is dedicated to examining Dismas House of Kansas City Missouri.

Having poor heath care within the prison system is something that is very dangerous. It can lead to things such as accidental deaths, worsening pre-existing conditions, and conditions occurring that could have been prevented if the proper care was

86). The Correctional Health Care/Mental Health Services program was designed to not only deter individuals from entering the criminal justice system, but also to offer assistance to offenders while they are still in prison. The help they receive will provide multiple benefits including how to reenter the community appropriately, and conduct your self in an ethical manner. This program provides positive effects on those who are in the program and they tend to live quality lives as long as they stay on the right

Prisons have many policies set in place to help aid inmates’ with adjusting to prison life. No matter what policies are set in place to help aid inmates they will always have a hard time especially for first timers. According to Frank Schmalleger and John Ortiz Smykla (2009) new inmates face major problems because of the loss of liberty, lack of material possessions, the depravation of materials and services, the lack of heterosexual relationships, and feeling unsecured. I think that inmates can be helped with the adjustment process by initiating and enforcing a program to deal with such issues. I think I would eliminate policies that are designed to make prison life unpleasant and concentrate more on policies that help inmates progress in their educational and rehabilitation programs. One policy that is very important to inmates is to feel safe in their prison environment. As a result there have been many debates on the rights of the inmates. I think the most important policy I would enforce is educational programs that will