intervention programs
Designed and implemented to help incarcerated youth and those on probation, programs emphasize personal responsibility and life skills to be productive and successful.
Peace Learning Center serves many youth through schools, community centers and faith groups. While 85% of our work focuses on primary prevention to large numbers of young people, PLC also focuses on incarcerated youth and those in crises to help change lives and encourage new ways of thinking. This work started in the Marion County Juvenile Center in 1999 and has evolved into partnerships with two state institutions – Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional Facility and Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility.
Focusing on personal responsibility, problem solving, diversity appreciation, and environmental awareness, the Intervention Program is a holistic approach to positive change.
Facilitators James “JT” Taylor and Tahnea Jafari implemented conflict resolution and peace education curriculum through two eight-week sessions for an average of thirty-six female participants ranging from 13 to 18 years of age. Three hour sessions were held two times a week. The girls are housed at the Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional Facility-IJCF (formally the Indiana Girls’ school) Plus cottage. More than 90% of the participants are from the Indianapolis community. Seventy-five percent of the participants are from single parent families, and 85% are from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds.
The program has amazing results – focusing on positive life changes to take responsibility for success – Indiana Department of Correction officials report that of the first 26 Peace Learning Program participants to leave the facility only one has violated their probation and 65% returned to high school – while the average high school return rate is 36% statewide.
Recent research demonstrates Peace Learning Program highly effective at Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional Facility
In partnership with the Indiana Department of Correction and Federal Title 1, Peace Learning Center implements an intensive peace education program for incarcerated youth that blends conflict resolution and diversity skills with challenge education that promotes personal responsibility for success.
Grades, behavior reports, and post-release tracking by the Indiana Department of Correction show dramatic positive results for this program in its first 18 months of operation:
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Prior to completing the program, the 42 girls had a total of 108 “JCR Violations” major sanctions for threatening and intimidating, theft, possession, overt physical an sexual behavior, and other extreme negative actions. After completing the program, of the entire group - only 9 girls committed a total of 23 JCR violations – an 81% decline in serious negative behaviors
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Of the 42 girls, 13 are still at IJCF attending school and either earning high school credits or preparing for the GED exam. One student did not return to school or achieve her GED due to a diagnosed medical condition. Of the remaining 28 girls who have been released, 12 have reenrolled in an Indiana high school and 8 have earned their GED for a total of 20 out of 28 which is 71% while the IDOC averages around 35% for reenrollment or GED.
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In terms of recidivism, out of the 29 girls who have completed PLP and have been released in the past one and a half years, 27 have not returned to incarceration. That is 93 % non-recidivism for Peace Learning Program graduates. The two girls that returned were found guilty of parole violations.
While over 90 young women participated in the Peace Learning Program at the Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional Facility, a total of 42 made it through at least one or more eight-week sessions.
The US Department of Justice and Heath and Human Services completed extensive research regarding factorsthat help protect youth from violence, delinquency, and antisocial behavior. These individual level traits and characteristics that have been identified as protective factors include:
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conflict resolution and critical thinking skills
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the ability to be adaptable and flexible and have empathy and caring for others
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a sense of purpose and belief in a positive future
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a commitment to education and learning
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the ability to act independently and feel a sense of control over one's environment
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the ability to solve problems, plan for the future, and be resourceful in seeking out sources of support
PeaceLearning Center’s programs focus on building these protective factors in youth. This recent research proves the Peace Learning Program at the Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional Facility is delivering on these protective factors.
Here are some thoughts about the program from the girls themselves:
“Being peaceful means being stronger inside than someone who wants to fight. It’s harder to do but worth it in the end because I feel better about myself. “
“During the time I have been in Tahnea’s group I have probably been taught more in 8 weeks than I have learned my whole life. This experience for me was amazing …and I have been through plenty of treatment but this is the one that really made me think and guided me to change. This is a wonderful program and I feel it should be a requirement for the whole facility.”
“I believe the Peace Program has helped me tremendously. I’ve learned things like “I statements”, how to STEP, and how important the environment is to everyone including me…I believe the program is excellent and there’s nothing I would change.”
“By showing me a strong woman can make it through any storm if she is confident and able to let go of her victim feelings. This program makes me want to be strong.”
“1) I have a better attitude 2) less write-ups 3) open up a little better 4) look at things from others point of view.”
“To get more info before coming to a conclusion. Becoming more open to other’s point of view. More spontaneous. More compassionate.”
“It’s taught me to look at everybody’s opinions not just mine. Not to judge people by the way they look or act because maybe that’s the way they grew up.”
“…I never knew what “I statements” were and now I actually use them. I am able to focus a little more. I matured. I look at nature differently.”
…Less write-ups; more good logs; how to care about things like animals and the feelings of others. I spend more time thinking about things before I do them. (I’ve) done better altogether. B.W.
“…More caring…more understanding…I listen more. Loving. I think everybody is beautiful in their own way and I never looked at that in that way. I want to be a good person now.”
“…(I’ve learned) that people do care about me…if everybody did the program we would understand and respect others. I’ve learned accountability, not to get mad over other’s opinions/point of view.
“…(I’ve learned) that if you view someone as only one thing (troublemaker, etc.) and nothing else that is what they will be…so the more people learn about their inner-selves and feelings the more they can work with others.”.
“…Thank you for everything you’ve done for me…you’ve helped me realize I could be living a better and happier life…helped me see people in a total different way as well as the world and my life! You helped me see that I’m actually a beautiful girl and that I can make a difference in my life and in many others’ too! I realized there’s more to life than being angry all the time! I put you through so much and you still stood tall and after all of that I turned around and you were the one supporting me the whole time helping me stay strong. If I didn’t meet you or J.T. I don’t think I would’ve been able to change. I’ve realized how important my family is. Thank you!”
“You’ve opened a whole new life for me…I trust people and MYSELF now!”
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