include Case studies > Behavioural change
Case Study 1
S had been excluded from school for disruptive behaviour
and his headmaster had disclosed that there were allegations that S
had been selling drugs with his older cousin, to other pupils.
S’s mother stated she was anxious for her son to reintegrate
into a full time provision, as she was concerned about his
deteriorating behaviour. She had observed him becoming increasingly
aggressive and demanding within the home and stated he refused to
adhere to any rules or boundaries.
S stated he was eager to attend the Turnaround Project, as he
was bored being at home everyday and recognised that he needed to
change his behaviour if he was to realise his dream of joining the
Marines. During the project, staff recognised that S had been
heavily influenced by older young people and family members. S’s
vision of the world was one filled with violence and danger, where
you needed gang protection and weapons in order to stay safe. He
admitted being pressured into drug use in order to be accepted.
These beliefs were continually challenged throughout the course and
S was supported in rejecting substances, particularly amongst
friends.
The residentials were particularly useful with S as he excelled
at outdoor activities. He was described as being a ‘natural’
climber and was invited to join the local youth climbing group. S
appeared to have a lot of respect for the outdoor pursuits
instructors and they were impressed by his attitude and commitment.
This interest was pursued by Turnaround staff, who arranged for S
to complete his work experience training at a local paint-balling
centre. This experience was successful and the company offered S a
voluntary placement, at weekends.
Following his completion of the Turnaround course S proceeded to
Caerphilly Action Group, where his outdoor pursuits interest could
be further encouraged. He was also introduced to the local army and
navy recruitment officers, who gave advice on realising his Marines
ambition.
Case Study 2
J attended the last Turnaround Project, based
in Newport, which began in June 2004. He had been in trouble with
the police since he was 8 years old, and served a sentence in
Ashfield, for burglary. He was released in December
2003, and placed on an ISSP programme. By the time J
started Turnaround, he had reached the less intensive stage of this
programme. He had been placed at a number of training
providers in Newport, including Chamber and the Bridge. None of
these had worked out, often with J attending only for one
day.
In addition, J had been placed in Llamau
supported accommodation due to a severe family
breakdown. J’s mum presented as homeless and his dad
died when he was very young.
Educationally, J was a persistent non-attender
at school, resulting in him having literacy and numeracy
difficulties.
J started using drugs when he was 8 or 9 years
old. He experimented with a number of substances,speed ecstasy and
valium and at the point of referral he was smoking 1oz of cannabis
per week, in a “mix”, and regularly drinking double the recommended
amount of alcohol. He was smoking and drinking
daily. This was linked to his offending behaviour.
J settled into Turnaround well, finding his
environment safe and nurturing. He really enjoyed the residential
weekend, and appreciated the opportunity to experience the outdoor
activities and team-building exercises. He worked well on his
cognitive behaviour issues in the classroom, and was especially
forthcoming during group discussions. Slowly his substance misuse
decreased to a couple of spliffs at the weekend. Occasionally, he
drank alcohol socially. By the time he left, J had 100%
attendance.
J also left a more confident and self aware young
man. He was referred onto the Pilot project, which he
still attends. J is looking to move into independent accommodation
and is applying for jobs, using the CV he wrote with us.