Identification of effects in the social rehabilitation of socially maladjusted girls based on individualized education and therapy programs

In the article, I present the findings of a qualitative research study conducted in a juvenile rehabilitation facility for girls among teaching staff with different length of service. Data from group interviews with the teaching staff were analyzed. The study aimed to analyze the teaching staff's statements regarding their understanding of effects in the social rehabilitation of juveniles. The study covered seven focus groups. The conclusions from the study show that the teaching staff in the juvenile rehabilitation facility can identify the effects of the social rehabilitation process and equate them with desirable (prosocial) changes in the juveniles’ behavior - these changes are not always consolidated but identifiable enough for the teachers to be able to continue working on them, which is an effect as well according to the participants. The juveniles’ academic achievements and behavior changes relating to observing the rules of the facility and performing their duties are the effects of social rehabilitation listed most frequently by the participants. According to the participants, the effects related to changes in the juveniles’ developing personalities are more difficult to determine and need definitely more time to be achieved. The participants also point to the key role of the feedback on changes in behavior the juveniles are provided with, which promotes further, more complex changes, such as, for example, the juveniles’ higher self-esteem. According to the participants, Individualized Education and Therapy Programs are an important tool in their work and make it easier for them to identify the outcomes and set goals in ongoing interventions. The participants of the study are aware that numerous factors contribute to the effect of social rehabilitation work and it cannot be analyzed from the angle of individual indicators.