Provides audio recording of a panel discussing the concept of Positive Youth Development (PYD) and the impact of this theory on juvenile justice reform. The panel, assembled by the Urban Institute and the Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago, includes: Jeffrey Butts (Chapin Hall research fellow), Erin Duncan (designate from Rep. Tom Osborne, R-Neb.), Denise Forte (House Committee on Education and the Workforce, minority staff), Vincent Schiraldi (Director, Washington DC Youth Rehabilitation Services), Matthew Stagner (Urban Institute researcher), and moderator, Judy Woodruff (PBS Washington Correspondent). Positive Youth Development focuses on the enrichment and nourishment of troubled young people via positive interaction with family, teachers, or mentors as opposed to the traditional justice system of detention/incarceration. Panelists discuss the new options for early offenders, such as: providing meaningful community service work (not trash pick-up), beautifying the environment in the institutional setting, exposure to new skills and experiences with the arts, sports, computers, and instruction in constructive communication patterns or activism. Roadblocks to success include: institutional resistance within the justice/law enforcement system, an overuse of psychological testing/diagnosis, a dearth of effective PYD-model programs, and a lack of awareness on the part of the Congress and local government leaders. Audience question/answer session is included.
