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posted by janrinok on Saturday May 26 2018, @03:18AM   Printer-friendly
from the think-different dept.

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.


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  • (Score: 2) by c0lo on Saturday May 26 2018, @12:16PM (1 child)

    by c0lo (156) Subscriber Badge on Saturday May 26 2018, @12:16PM (#684487) Journal

    I can't love it. Too cramped. I like Go [wikipedia.org] better.

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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoFiw2jMy-0 https://soylentnews.org/~MichaelDavidCrawford
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  • (Score: 3, Interesting) by bzipitidoo on Saturday May 26 2018, @05:28PM

    by bzipitidoo (4388) on Saturday May 26 2018, @05:28PM (#684598) Journal

    I am (or was) a good chess player. Started in 1st grade, and in 2nd beat all the other young players in the school and won 1st place. And then I didn't play much chess any more until college. Couldn't find anyone to play. Computers were poor at chess in those days, and it was no problem for me to beat Sargon II, as long as I didn't goof off too much. But now computers are impossibly good at chess. Has had me grappling with why play chess any more ourselves? Can humans still serve as strategic advisers and let the computers handle the tactics? Also, I was at the point where in order to get even better at chess, I would have to spend serious time studying the game in a more methodical, organized manner. Couldn't be casual about it any more and still improve much. It is still fun to see and admire cool combinations, sacrifices, and other such counter intuitive moves. But that feels more like being an art fan rather than an artist. Still, can better appreciate fantastic aptitude and skill at some task if one has personally tried it.

    Moving to another game such as Go is no longer an escape from computer prowess. We're at the point now where computers can master all board, card, and similar games.

    It's not a new problem. Automobiles and even bicycles and horses enable far faster travel than is possible on foot, yet we still have footraces.