Introduction
Historical background of reforms schools reveals that putting minor with the adult hardcore criminals was deeply devastating as he was exposed to number of atrocities that were a routine in a normal cell. Idea behind treating a minor offender is to correct him so that he can bounce back into normal life and become a part of respectable society. Thus, the idea of reform school came into existence.
Following are the things that make reform school a righteous way of correcting a minor offender:
Treatment
1. Physical healing
A minor needs medical care as he may have hurt himself in a brawl or taken drug overdose. Mostly, minors are found convicts of drug use, rape, unintentional killing or harming the state property. All such cases do require careful handling else it may simply result into complete loss of a valuable life.
2. Behavioral treatment
Reform schools can organize personal sessions where the minor can open up and share his mindset and get the systematic treatment resulting into the improvement of psyche.
3. Outdoor therapies
Sessions like anger management, group activities where importance of living in a society and importance of human life and the value of emotional bonds are taught can be quite helpful in bringing the humane qualities of a minor to the surface.
4. Detention:
Detention centers are used only when the minor has not shown any sign of improvement and he continues to be a pain in neck of the fellows and society. Detention is also meted out depending upon the severity of the crime committed.
Training
5. Setting a normal routine
The reformed kid is made to go through the training process where every aspect of life ranging from getting up in the morning to becoming a part of productive group is taken care of.
6. Involvement into group activities
Training includes teaching the minor how to take care and protect himself from harmful entities. This is done by involving them group tasks and other camping out activities.
7. Full-fledged vocational training
Training schools run programs related to providing formal education, a profession based training or adopting a vocation on the basis of talent displayed by the minor.
Rehabilitation
8. Finding placement for the reformed minor
Reintegrating the minor to the main stream society is also an important responsibility of a reform school. So, they may take steps to find the placement for the trained minor.
9. Recommendation to relevant organizations
They may also recommend the minor to certain organizations where they can work and start a life on their own.
10. Finding sponsorship for business
Some of the reform centers are being advised to find financial support for the reformed minors so that they can also contribute to the society.
Conclusion
Reform schools are sophisticated alternative to prisons and jails where adult criminals are kept. These definitely need to be more understanding and sensitive towards the crucial needs of a growing individual. Laws pertaining to punishing a minor need to be more sensitive as all the criminals are not intentional or of severe degree. Reform school are ray of hope for those minors who still have the zeal to leave their black past way behind them and bounce back in their lives.
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