Therapeutic Programming 

I. Background Information

According to the Kagman Juvenile Detention and Correctional Facility Policies and Procedures Manual, the primary purpose of detention is the holding of minors needing secure custody...

Although part of the detention experience is to punish delinquent behavior, the facility should be operated in all respects ‘as nearly like a home as possible.’ This phrase expresses the expectation that minors removed from their homes shall be exposed to a way of living, activities and guidance while in the facility that will contribute to their social and personal development.

This experience should enhance their ability to function acceptably in the community and become productive members of society...detention should begin the process of rehabilitation and lay the groundwork for later treatment. Furthermore, in delineating the objectives of detention, the following statements are made:

Provide a constructive and satisfying program of activities, indoor and out, including school and quiet, active and creative pursuits. In addition, guided group discussions are adapted to the special needs of the delinquent minors; and

Provide individual and group guidance to handle problems constructively and help the minor use the detention experience to understand him/herself and their problems better and to come to terms with them (Policy Statement 1.03).

In addition, in the Juvenile Rehabilitation Project grant proposal submitted to the Work Force Investment Agency, JDU philosophy is further expanded to read, “juvenile delinquents under their care and supervision (will) be provided with a ‘rehabilitative and supportive environment, rather than a punitive one’...Since the long term goal of the JDU is the meaningful reintegration of clients to society.”

II.Program Description

The programs described herein are developed out of consultation with several JDU staff and Community Guidance Center clinical team. In addition, feedback was also solicited from clients. These rehabilitative programs are intended to maintain continuity as well as expand existing programs and develop new programs where gaps in services exist.
  
III. Counseling

A. Individual Counseling - At present, most clients in detention are receiving individual counseling with the Community Guidance Center (CGC). Individual counseling is an essential to the treatment with the goal of rehabilitation. Counseling, both on an individual or group basis, provides opportunities for the clients to gain insight into their problem behaviors in order to strengthen their resistance to future delinquent behavior. It also offers skill building to enhance life skills and promote positive behavior in the hopes of successful integration in the community.

B. Group Counseling

Life Skills group- Throughout the year, various topical components will be offered through this venue, which consists of a weekly1 ˝ - 2 hour meeting. The first component is Social Skills training. The Therapist facilitates the group.

Anger Management group - because many of the clients have low-impulse control, including problems controlling their anger or otherwise appropriately channeling their anger, an ongoing anger management component will be incorporated into JDU programming. Though such programs are generally closed, time limited groups, once the first group graduates; the group can be again started with the entry of new clients.

IV. Additional Programs

Mentoring Program - An important component of a rehabilitative program is exposing clients to positive role models in the community who offer a sense of hope and inspiration in a way that clinical staff may not be able to. Of particular importance is the power of personal testimony from people who have “been there, done that.” This program will comprise of weekly sessions, alternating between the various subsections listed below.

Art Program - The CNMI Council for Arts and the DYS Juvenile Detention Unit are co-sponsoring a community work service project to promote arts and crafts with youth in detention. This effort is undertaken to promote healthy forms of personal expression and stimulate creativity. In addition, this program is part of a mentorship project of the Detention Facility. It will also teach marketable art & craft skills. Various artists are contracted by the Arts Council and paid through a grant that they administer. JDU is responsible for providing supplies. Artists and crafters will do hands-on work with the youth at the facility.

Artwork produced by the clients will be displayed at various venues, starting with the Art’s Council’s Christmas exhibit, beginning this November. In addition, plans are underway to build display cases that can be expanded each year to showcase art work, crafts, and woodwork made by clients in the main lobby of the facility.

Community Presentation - Testimonies
Suicide survivors, Recovering Drug Abuse, Recovering Gambling Addict, Survivor of Domestic Violence and/or Sexual Assault, Positive Teen, Man Amko story telling

Psycho-educational presentations (To be conducted by the Therapist or community resource)
Communication, Conflict Resolution, Teamwork building, Goal planning, Suicide, Drug Abuse, Gambling Addiction, Survivor of Domestic Violence and/or Sexual Assault, Safe Sex Practices, Healthy Relationships, Adolescent Development and so forth.

Parenting Program - Parental involvement is critical for the successful integration of the youth back into the community. At present, a homes assessment is conducted shortly after intake of new clients. This begins the relationship with the family unit. However, efforts must be undertaken to strengthen the partnership that must take place between JDU, parents, and clients. A multi-pronged approach will be developed. At one piece of the equation, parenting classes offered through DYS will be fully maximized. Currently underway are discussions with Connie Cabrera, coordinator for the Parenting program to negotiate the most effective program to ensure successful referral. Moreover, parental involvement will be solicited through JDU sponsored events, such as family night or barbeques.

Movie Night - Bi-weekly, the youth will watch an inspirational movie. A group discussion will follow whereby the youth will discuss such things as the moral to the story, impressions they got, and so forth.