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Monique Sedgwick, Jeffrey MacCormack, and Lance Grigg report via AlterNet
Sentencing practices for youth who engage in non-violent crimes have traditionally adopted a punitive approach--for example, ordering time in a juvenile detention centre. However, research suggests that punitive models have little impact on reducing the chances of reoffending.
In fact, punitive sentencing[PDF] can result in poor social outcomes, low rates of employment, and higher school dropout rates.
Some people suggest a more rehabilitative approach to sentencing is needed. For example, youth could be sentenced to programs that provide opportunities for developing life skills and establishing more positive relationships. This may result in increased levels of self-confidence, reducing the chance of reoffending.[PDF]
Alternate sentencing initiatives focus on fair sentencing practices that are appropriate and support the reintegration of youth back into the community.
Within the Young Offenders Branch of the Alberta government and the [Canadian] province's Assistant Deputy Minister's office, there is a movement towards alternate sentencing for youth involved in non-violent crimes. As a result, Alberta's Ministry of Justice and the faculties of education and health sciences at the University of Lethbridge have teamed up to deliver a unique program as an alternate sentence: Chess for Life.
Chess for Life is a 25-hour chess instruction program lead by longtime chess players Dr. Lance Grigg and assistants Riley Kostek and Josh Markle. Youth learn opening, middle, and end-game strategies while playing the program leaders and each other.
While the youth may not know it, they also are developing skills in reasoning, problem-solving, paying attention, planning, focusing, and decision-making.
(Score: 5, Interesting) by anubi on Saturday May 26 2018, @03:59AM (5 children)
Betcha music lessons would work too.
Being in society with a very limited repertoire of skills is not good news.
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." [KJV: I Thessalonians 5:21]
(Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday May 26 2018, @04:07AM (2 children)
And yet Somalia makes it work.
(Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday May 26 2018, @05:25AM (1 child)
Hmmm?
...or maybe someone can explain how that was +1 Insightful.
-- OriginalOwner_ [soylentnews.org]
(Score: 2) by turgid on Sunday May 27 2018, @01:35PM
Sarcastic comment sarcastically moderated?
I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent [wikipedia.org].
(Score: 2) by c0lo on Saturday May 26 2018, @12:20PM (1 child)
After being profoundly traumatized by chess for life without parole, I don't think they are going to re-offend only for the chance of diversifying they skills in music too. I know I wouldn't
(grin)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoFiw2jMy-0 https://soylentnews.org/~MichaelDavidCrawford
(Score: 2, Informative) by anubi on Saturday May 26 2018, @12:45PM
Chess for life would be hell for me. So would music lessons - especially if I got stuck playing cello for Pachebel's Canon at all night chapels in Las Vegas.
But some people love it. Other people seem to enjoy watching televised sports. I remember my Uncle loved listening to fights and ball games on the radio when I was a kid, where I would have rather listened to the washing machine. It wasn't nearly as annoying.
I'd much rather be designing a circuit then layout and assemble the PCB.
I guess I want some tangible thing for the work and creativity I put into the thing.
Chess to me falls in the same category as Suduko, crossword puzzles, and videogames. A lot of time invested, and nothing in my hand to show for it.
Maybe a trophy. But what I really want is my creation. Tangible proof I did it.
A stint in the pen would have ruined me for life.
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." [KJV: I Thessalonians 5:21]