EVALUATION OF A SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM FOR DELINQUENT ADOLESCENT MALES

A short-term residential program for delinquent adolescent males, Muncaster Mill, was evaluated to determine its effectiveness in meeting its stated objectives. The present study followed a systematic procedure for determining whether stated program objectives were being attained and based its measured variables on established theories which focus on the connection between lack of interpersonal skills and juvenile delinquency. A majority of the Muncaster Mill objectives addressed attainment of peer relationships, a major developmental task of adolescence. These program objectives were classified into five categories of interpersonal skills assumed to approximate the desired changes: responsibility, altruism, sense of belonging, socialization, and self-disclosure. Five paper and pencil instruments--The Responsibility Scale of the California Psychological Inventory, The Altruism Scale, The Adolescent Alienation Scale, The Socialization Scale of the California Psychological Inventory, and the Self-Disclosure Inventory for Adolescents--were used to measure improvement in interpersonal skills. These were administered once during the first week of residence and again during the week prior to discharge to each subject. The differences in all residents' scores were analyzed to determine if the mean improvements were significant in each of the five aspects of interpersonal skills, and whether a significant number of residents improved. Based on the residents' responses to the five instruments, the results failed to demonstrate a significant difference in either the mean level or number of residents exhibiting improvement in any of the five target areas except socialization. Although the mean difference for this variable was non-significant, the number of young men with improved socialization scores was significant. Because of the several non-treatment factors which might have influenced the study, it is difficult to state with confidence whether or not the Muncaster Mill program is effective in meeting its stated goals. However, this study provides data as well as suggestions for a systematic method by which much needed program evaluations can be accomplished in the future.