"Learning to care for others gives them a sense of purpose and helps them to keep out of trouble themselves," said Jack Calhoun, president and chief executive officer of the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC).

The Youth as Resources (YAR) program, started in 1991 by the NCPC at a youth correctional facility in Indiana, has since resulted in fewer discipline problems among youths in all Indiana detention centers and lower recidivism rates. Nationwide, the recidivism rate is 40 percent for girls and 60 percent for boys. At Indiana correctional facilities, it's 13 percent.

Under the program, youth offenders are required to identify and meet a community need. "They do the planning and the work themselves," said George Rice, executive director of the Center for Youth as Resources.

Erin Jacoba-Croy, who was incarcerated in 1992 at the Indiana Girls' School, said YAR turned her life around. "I would not be the person I am today if not for this program," she said.

Jacoba-Croy worked with young patients with cerebral palsy. "I couldn't believe how much trust they gave us," she said. "Imagine being told that you'll never amount to anything, and then having a total stranger love you for just who you are."

Jacoba-Croy, who is now married and the mother of a six-year-old, is preparing to enter law school in the fall.

Calhoun pointed out that YAR gives youth offenders "connectedness." He explained, "YAR is not a panacea. We still need to provide these kids with all the usual juvenile services."

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by A hand up on 09 Sep 08 08:54 AM EDT

http://www.in.gov/idoc/reentry/2619.htm Letter from the Commissioner of Indiana EXCERPTS: Everyone plays a key role in supporting the transition of individuals from prison to the community. By partnering with communities on the vital issue of re-entry, the DOC can best reduce high recidivism rates and lower the costly cycle of incarceration, release, and return. It is time to make a change, and I invite you to be a part of the solution. Let’s help offenders successfully re-enter their communities, since after all, re-entry is everyone’s business. Edwin G. Buss, Commissionerindiana

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