Date of Award

Fall 2010

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

Public Health

First Advisor

Monica Swahn

Second Advisor

Sheryl Strasser

Abstract

Violence is a leading cause of death and injury for juveniles and is projected to increase in the state of Georgia. Many if not most of these violent acts occur while teens are unsupervised between after school and when guardians return from work. After school programs have been proven effective in improving academic preparation and social skills while also providing adequate supervision. An additional and important component in reducing violence and other high-risk opportunities is related to workplace readiness. However, a review of existing programs concludes that there are currently no programs that contain all three components of academic preparation, social skills, and workplace readiness. The goal of the proposed program is to reduce delinquency, recidivism, and prepare juveniles for the workplace. This proposed program utilizes the infrastructure of a faith-based organization to house an after school program and to share resources. Activities offered as part of this proposed program include group therapy, violence prevention curricula, job interview skills, computer technology, and other specific activities depending on participant’s interest. The proposed program is also suggested as a sanction for minor juvenile offenders as a replacement for probation, community service, or therapy in order to reduce recidivism. The proposed program is also suggested for high school students classified as at-risk by school faulty or staff. Issues pertaining to implementation and sustainability will be discussed.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/1663926

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