http://www.djjnewsandviews.org/beatthestreets/
This article discusses an awesome program that is being implemented in Georgia's Department of Juvenile Justice called Beat the Streets. This is a free model program where youth are challenged to run 26.2 miles over the course of the programs 11 weeks. Beat the Streets is modeled after another program called Kilometer Kids which was a healthy exercise program based in Atlanta, GA. Beat the Streets is much of the same but is tailored specifically for youth in the juvenile justice system.
"Exercise programs like this help instill personal discipline and an appreciation for individual achievement and accomplishment. The running skills learned during Beat the Streets can have a long term health benefit and lasting positive influence of life decisions,” Commissioner Niles said."
Being a runner myself, I believe that this is a wonderful program for youth. Not only does it assist youth in setting goals and accomplishing them, but from a therapeutic standpoint it also can open youths eyes to a self-care/coping mechanism. While running or exercise isn't for everyone, many find running to be a therapeutic outlet. I would be interested to see results from a pre/posttest on how stressed youth felt before and after Beat the Streets. This program is giving youth lasting skills to have a successful future, and I can only hope that more programs like this can be created and implemented throughout the country.
What a cool program idea! The concept of taking an exercise approach to promoting overall health and well-being within the context of juvenile justice is a new but compelling one to me. It seems like it would have therapeutic benefit for the kids, allowing a productive and healthy outlet for their energies and creating an environment of encouragement and support. I'd be interested to see outcome research on programs that prioritize physical exercise as a treatment component and get a better understanding of the physiological processes that make them effective.
ReplyDeleteWow, I agree this looks like a great program! I like the idea that the program is incentive-based to keep the youth motivated and to assist in learning self-discipline. I agree that physical exercise promotes overall health and well-being and that it can act as a coping strategy, too. I think the program could also promote multiple protective factors, such as creating positive relationships with adults and peers. I would also be interested in the outcome research on this model.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great program. The program demonstrates a purpose, desired outcome, and achievable goals. Programs like these work because they have created an initiative that will target the desired population, their are benefits for youth participating in the program. The quote that you mentioned from Commissioner Niles really speaks to the point of the program. Introducing healthy, positive behaviors that will occupy children's time which will decrease time and effort spent on criminalizing behaviors. I think the program has a great platform and potential to really change children's lives.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool! I think you're definitely right in saying that this program promotes a great self-care/coping mechanism for the youth participants. I especially like the use of running because it really intertwines the therapeutic and physical benefits of running on a personal level through goal-setting, self-discipline, and physical exercise, but it also incorporates a sense of belonging within the group, and helps the youth form relationships and hold each other accountable. I am all for promoting physical health along with emotional/mental health, and exercise is such a great way to do that. Unfortunately, it can be very intimidating to get into and takes patience and dedication. So, I think this program does a great job of taking a very simple form of exercise and making it something so much greater.
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