An evaluation of an arts program for incarcerated juvenile offenders

Journal of Correctional Education, Sep 2003 by Ezell, Mark, Levy, Michelle

Practice Implications. A report by the American Bar Association Juvenile Justice Center created for the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, outlines the need for strong programming in juvenile detention (Puritz & Scali, 1998). Specifically, the report recommends that program in detention facilities meet goals such as:

* providing for a release of emotional tension;

* providing for a constructive outlet for physical energy;

* giving youth self-confidence in wholesome pursuits;

* giving the youth a better understanding of himself or herself;

* developing new interests and skills to be followed upon release;

* keeping the youth busy by providing a structure for his or her day.

It may be easily argued that arts programs, such as ACW, clearly meet these goals. Yet, arts programs have not been traditionally viewed as an essential component of juvenile corrections programming. One reason may be due to the lack of information demonstrating the value of arts programs. While arts programs clearly have an impact on the security and functioning of correctional institutions, it is difficult to calculate the cost-benefit of this effect at this time.

Implications for Future Research. There is an urgent need for more empirical research regarding the effects of arts programs for incarcerated juvenile offenders. Programs for juvenile offenders often fail to receive attention due to nonexistent or inadequate evaluation (Puritz & Scali, 1998). Besides improving research designs, future research needs to incorporate more comprehensive information on participating youth. Information on youths' backgrounds, types of offense(s), average institutional stay(s), and other factors will help determine which youth are most likely to benefit from this type of programming. Unlike many other aspects of incarceration, most arts programs are completely voluntary. There is a need to compare those who choose to participate with other youth in the institution in order to determine if volunteers' desire for change might explain the results. The institutional setting should also be examined for the availability of other services for the youths, staff views and support for programs.

Researchers must also look more critically at arts programs themselves as well as their costs. Different artistic disciplines may hold different promise for youth. Some arts activities, such as the performing arts, provide more opportunity for team building and the development of interpersonal and problem solving skills. Other activities such as painting and writing are more solitary, introspective activities. Are particular types of art more effective in impacting the behavior of incarcerated youth?

As of yet, it is unclear what aspects) of the program provide the impetus for change with the youth. The recreational, social and relational aspects of the program may contribute differently to its transformational potential. As Stone and her colleagues (1998) suggest, serious artistic instruction should be considered a necessary but not sufficient program feature for achieving positive outcomes, and other program elements are necessary. Silha (1995) advises artists to understand that art form is secondary to the relationship between artist and student. A more in-depth observation of artists' approaches with youth may yield important clues as to the essence of a successful arts program. Factors to study include instructor preparation, training, and available support.