Last Chance in Texas: The Redemption of Criminal Youth
While reporting on the juvenile court system, journalist John Hubner kept hearing about a facility in Texas that ran the most aggressive–and one of the most successful–treatment programs for violent young offenders in America. How was it possible, he wondered, that a state like Texas, famed for its hardcore attitude toward crime and punishment, could be leading the way in the rehabilitation of violent and troubled youth?
Now Hubner shares the surprising answers he found over months of unprecedented access to the Giddings State School, home to “the worst of the worst”: four hundred teenage lawbreakers convicted of crimes ranging from aggravated assault to murder. Hubner follows two of these youths–a boy and a girl–through harrowing group therapy sessions in which they, along with their fellow inmates, recount their crimes and the abuse they suffered as children. The key moment comes when the young offenders reenact these soul-shattering moments with other group members in cathartic outpourings of suffering and anger that lead, incredibly, to genuine remorse and the beginnings of true empathy . . . the first steps on the long road to redemption.
Cutting through the political platitudes surrounding the controversial issue of juvenile justice, Hubner lays bare the complex ties between abuse and violence. By turns wrenching and uplifting, Last Chance in Texas tells a profoundly moving story about the children who grow up to inflict on others the violence that they themselves have suffered. It is a story of horror and heartbreak, yet ultimately full of hope.
Reviews (166)
... State University Justice Studies program and it was a great read. Extremely informative and provided insight to people ...
I was required to read this book for San Jose State University Justice Studies program and it was a great read. Extremely informative and provided insight to people who may not understand how different the juvenile justice system is and how it can lead directly into the criminal justice system if other options aren't used.
Very Compelling stories
This book follows several juvenile offenders amongst the worst in the state of Texas. It documents the workings of supposedly one of the most successful programs in the nation. However, keep in mind that the juvenile offenders have already been filtered down before they even get to this program. In other words, the ones with the least chance of success have already been removed. With that in mind, this is still a very good book. Well written and captivating. The author definitely has the ability to create empathy for these children of difficult circumstances.
Great book
Great books for this semester
Amazing book. This is a must read
Amazing book. This is a must read. This changes how we view young offenders. And we must change our views because our perspectives were wrongfully set by the media. This opens our eyes to see how things are.
Anyone who works with criminals . . .
Mr. Hubner has written an important book turning conventional psychological wisdom on its head. They work miracles at this specialized prison/school for adolescents who have committed the worst kinds of violent crimes. If reached early enough, this book documents how many of these children can be rehabilitated and go on to live productive lives (and those who can't). This is an important addition to criminology, youthful offenders, substance abuse and working with adolescents and should be required reading in all coursework in these fields. Not every 'psychopath' is a hopeless case. Please read it. Tim Woods, LCSW, Chemical Dependency Specialist for 35 years.
Great Great Great
I am in social work school and this book gave me a great new perspective on the field i was looking to go into already. The modality that they use at the school is shown through the students/inmates and the story that is painted and the way it is done is very catching. You just want to read and read and not put the book down until you are through so you know what happens and the way the program itself works through the issues of the children.
Be Motivated to get this book
Last Chance in Texas: The Redemption of Criminal Youth is a vital read for anyone interested in the field of youth corrections. Author John Hubner takes us on an unrestricted tour of the jewel of the Texas Youth Commission, Giddings State School. Gidddings which holds 400 youth is a hybrid between the "boot camp" ideology and intensive therapeutic treatment. Their role play therapy of a client's history and crimes combined with a victim impact panel, demonstrates how the clients who pass the Capital Offenders group are measurably more successful when released. The big carrot for active participation in the program comes from large determinate sentences. A Special Services Committee made up of corrections professionals and clinicians at Giddings can release a client after a successful few years or send them to the Texas Penitentiary to complete what may be a 20 to 40 year sentence. If that isn't motivation for taking ownership of your actions I don't know what is.
Four Stars
Very useful classroom text. Easy read, and provides fabulous case-study material.
State School
This book was OK but not exciting. More like a textbook on juveniles , both male and female. It would be better for someone looking for training in juvenile crime treatment
This was a class for my Juvenile Justice class and ...
This was a class for my Juvenile Justice class and it was actually a really interesting read and well written. It certainly is an eye opener to the world of Juvenile Delinquents and their treatment/process/stories.
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