Summary Of John Hubner's Last Chance In Texas

Register to read the introduction… In this book, Hubner explores a juvenile correctional facility and provides the readers with insight on the school’s ultimate goal of resocializing the teenage delinquents held there. Hubner points to the reason as to why systems that include retributive justice do not work as such, “With a few exceptions, most institutions incarcerating juveniles do not rehabilitate. Indeed, they are not that much different from adult prisons. At best they are holding tank, at worst, they are finishing schools for career criminals” (xx). In institutions such as the ones Hubner described, the teens are essentially doing easy time because all they have to do is sit there and feel sorry for themselves and convince themselves they have been wronged, they are not being forced to think about what they, themselves did wrong. In typical juvenile correctional facilities, youth are not forced into developing empathy as they are at the Giddings state school. At this unique school, the therapists have different, groundbreaking ways in solving problems. They first establish a trust worthy relationship with the students and then guide the adolescents into sharing their life and crime stories. The therapists then analyze the stories and assist the troubled teens in understanding what was the cause of their misconduct and what measures need to be done in order for the youth to come to terms with their past and start heading towards a road to recovery. By talking out through the issues, the therapists are able to build a connection with the students that is beneficial to them in their rehabilitation …show more content…
Steve James). The film follows the Violence Interrupters around Englewood, Chicago as they try to mediate conflicts on the streets. The Violence Interrupters are not only trying to break up conflicts from escalating but they also act as mentors for troubled youth and even for adults who are on wrong