Publication Date

2024

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Wahl-Alexander, Zachary

Degree Name

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

Legacy Department

Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KNPE)

Abstract

There is a growing global body of literature examining the experiences of adolescents in sport-based youth development programs. Conversely, the advantages of such programming are often contingent on intention, design, population, and environment. One often overlooked setting that serves a vital population benefiting from the integration of sport-based youth development programs, is juvenile justice facilities. Beyond adolescents, much literature remains to be explored in penal settings, particularly, the inception of sport-based prison programs that utilize an evidence-based curriculum and explicit approach to foster life skill development. Often overlooked are staff, administrators, and youth perspectives of sport-based youth development programs in juvenile justice facilities which are vital to ensure program sustainability. This three-study dissertation sought to explore an overview of the burgeoning field of sport-based development within juvenile justice and how it has been applied within the highly unique, hard-to-access setting of youth prisons. In a similar vein, this paper will provide commentary on one high quality SBYD prison program, Project Flex, a sport-based prison program in three Midwest-based facilities, including stakeholders’ perceptions and youths lived experiences in the SBYD program.

Extent

99 pages

Language

en

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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