Horticultural Therapy with Juvenile Offenders and Their Families

Abstract

Finding activities for the whole family to participate in can be a challenge for any parent, let alone a parent whose child is incarcerated. It is similarly difficult for facilities that house juvenile offenders to develop programs which support skill development as well as smooth transitions from facility to home and are beneficial to both youth and families. Preliminary research on offender gardening programs has shown that they may offer one solution to this dilemma. This research continues an evaluation began in 2010 on one such garden program. Qualitative and quantitative data gathered from seventeen youth living at the rehabilitation center, as well as eleven parents and/or guardians, suggest positive perceptions of the program. Current findings support the initial assertions that gardening promotes the development of empathy and positive self-concept among youth as a result of participating in the program, as well as improved behavioral and emotional management.