Conflict Resolution Education - National Criminal Justice Reference ...

Chapter 6: Juvenile Justice and
Alternative Education Initiatives
For juvenile justice facilities and alternative schools,
implementing conflict resolution means changing
the institution’s approach to internal conflicts from
a punitive one to one that uses problem-solving
methods. In these settings, conflict resolution programs
are introduced to supplement, not replace,
existing disciplinary policies and procedures. Given
opportunities for positive expression and problem
resolution, youth learn alternatives to violent and
self-defeating behavior.
Conflict resolution programs for juvenile justice
facilities and for alternative schools serving delinquent
and at-risk youth address similar issues.
These youth tend to demonstrate self-destructive,
antisocial, or violent behavior to a greater degree
than even the more behaviorally challenged youth
in regular schools. In both cases, an effective conflict
resolution program must address the psychological
needs and the developmental stage of the
youth.
The impediments to behavioral self-awareness in
delinquent and at-risk youth are considerable and
pervasive. Typically, their ability to evaluate their
own behavior is underdeveloped, and they are seriously
deficient in the foundation abilities of conflict
resolution, especially orientation, perception, and
emotional abilities. Many have an ingrained sense
of failure and view success as beyond their reach
and ability.
These problems often go beyond the purview of
conflict resolution programs, which do not offer
therapy. However, young people who need therapy
can still participate in and profit from conflict resolution
programs. At issue is whether the behavioral
challenges faced by these youth can be addressed
while they are receiving conflict resolution education
or whether their problems require initial
47
Peacemaking is not easy. In many ways, it is
much more difficult than making war. But its
great rewards cannot be measured in
ordinary terms.
Former President Jimmy Carter 1
attention. A benefit of conflict resolution education
is the development of the youth’s ability to apply
the training in appropriate situations. The extent of
therapy needed will be determined by how well the
youth applies the conflict resolution training. The
greater the gap between the youth’s standard behavior
and the desired behavior of conflict resolution,
the greater the demand for practice and coaching.
Juvenile Justice Facilities
The juvenile justice correctional facility provides
opportunities over alternative education settings,
because the students live and attend school within
the facility. Programs taught in these facilities allow
more time for training and practice in conflict
resolution.
Many juvenile offenders have deficits in cognitive
skills. They tend to be undersocialized and lack the
values, attitudes, reasoning abilities, and social skills
required for positive social interaction. These individuals
have not acquired the skills and strategies
for constructive relationship building and problem
solving, nor have they bonded with anyone who
exhibits these behaviors. By teaching the foundation
abilities and problem-solving processes of conflict
resolution (see chapter 1), the juvenile justice facility
can facilitate the development of social competency
in these youth, so that they no longer alienate