Benefits of SEL Programs for those Incarcerated Youth

Written by: MBM Volunteer Debbie Omolola

Education is an important part of every child and youth's upbringing, so shouldn’t those who are unfortunately incarcerated have access to it too?

Have you ever wondered how many people, let alone youth, are locked up on Rikers Island: where they are denied their basic human rights, abused, hungry, and suffer because they cannot afford bail? A lot! According to the Prison Policy Initiative, “More than 9,500 youth in juvenile facilities — or 1 in 5 — haven’t even been found guilty or delinquent and are locked up before a hearing (awaiting trial)”. Now how badly do these situations and experiences behind bars affect young offenders' lives and ability to successfully reintegrate into society? Their ability and belief to succeed upon release are influenced by their sentiments and beliefs while incarcerated. Countless youth offenders who are in these situations just need someone to listen. They need alternative programs to combat whatever they were battling with.

Being incarcerated is a tough weight to carry. Many dangerous and frightening things occur behind bars that can weigh you down and make you lose hope. So how are the incarcerated youth supposed to rehabilitate? How does one address the need to learn in such an environment?

“Rehabilitation is more possible in an environment that is conducive to education, where young prisoners can gain insight into their behavior to produce a positive transformation” says Gary Scott: who was sentenced to 15 years to life at age 17. It i

s evident that youth offenders have access to the resources they require through alternative programs to guarantee that our youth have a better chance at success when it comes to rehabilitation.

This is where SEL programs come in.

SEL is Social and Emotional Learning. In dangerous and crazy environments like detention centers, jails and prisons, it is imperative that one know how to deal with their emotions. One needs to know how to navigate positive behaviors and communication in order to get the best of their situation.

Mind Beyond Measure’s Creative Arts Mentorship programs - Speak 4 Life and/or Rhythm 4 Life strive to empower and enrich the lives of our children and youth through music, culture and spoken word. Our goals are for them to discover and pursue their passions and purpose, and to develop the social and emotional skills required to form positive relationships with themselves and others. Learning this in an environment so hectic is a great benefit to the youth because they are bettering themselves while exploring who they are. This provides a creative conduit to express their worries and concerns; and their hopes and dreams.

In Western Australia, a program called Drumbeat has used these methods and produced great results “with proven outcomes of understanding of relationships, mental wellbeing, psychological distress, antisocial behavior and social & emotional learning”. The Drumbeat program was administered to participants in Western Australian prisons and the results show that there was a positive impact on the prisoners. Advancements in neuroscience research highlight the positive effects of rhythmic therapies on fundamental brain systems related to anxiety and emotional regulation. A Drumbeat study shows that there was a 30% reduction of behavioral incidents due to learning how to control and express behavior/feelings. 86% felt the program helped improve relationships with other prisoners. 90% gained a better understanding of skills needed for good relationships. 96% said it helped them work through their problems more easily.

Now by drumming in the Rhythm 4 Life program, music is brought into what is usually a rowdy place, and offers some type of order and a flow. Youth learn about a new culture, discover the importance of team skills, and develop communication, listening, leadership, and critical thinking skills. By writing and presenting spoken word in the Speak 4 Life program, they: develop critical literacy skills, creative writing skills, and leadership skills. They develop confidence and skills in public speaking through performance opportunities and they become empowered through freedom of expression by sharing their voice of truth.

Education is mostly seen as academic: Math, ELA, History, Science, but that’s not all there is to it. These are basic skills, and half of the time you don’t really use most of them in the real world if that’s not your career field. But with SEL, youth are able to enhance their social and emotional skills by learning how to identify and explore their feelings and emotions, and apply effective coping strategies in the real world. All of which could prevent, maintain and stop violent and antisocial behaviors.

The formulation of evidence-based programs and other resources allocated to aid and teach incarcerated youth should be launched and it starts with SEL. Young people are the future and as a society, we should do whatever it takes to promote and secure a promising one!