The use of sports programs as an intervention to prevent recidivism in juvenile offenders

Thesis (M.S.W.) California State University, Los Angeles, 2012Committee members: Raquel Warley, Susan Crimmins, Dale WeaverThe purpose of the proposed study is to evaluate the effect of sports programs as an intervention tool in decreasing aggression and depression and increasing self-concept to prevent recidivism amongst juvenile offenders. The proposed program of this investigation, "Sports Works", specifically targets adolescent boys between the ages of 13-17 who are incarcerated for at least nine months at a Juvenile Probation Camp in Los Angeles County. "Sports Works" is a nine month long dual service program for incarcerated youth offering recreational sports activities in conjunction with therapeutic services. The program aims to improve the psychological functioning of male juvenile offenders. A random sample of 100 juvenile offenders will be randomly assigned into two groups of 50 with one receiving the "Sports Works" program and the other receiving services as is. A multivariate analysis will be used to evaluate statistical significance of the program. Physical fitness has shown to have a positive effect on human psychological functioning. This proposal takes a look at how effective physical fitness activities are as a rehabilitation tool with juvenile offenders