Onsite caseworkers and probation officers or counselors

Onsite caseworkers and probation officers or counselors were invaluable assets to the programs. These individuals served as positive role models for the participants, and by collaborating closely with the artists, they helped them provide individualized art instruction to smaller groups of participants. Involvement of these key players also provided youth with an opportunity to develop positive relationships with their probation officers or counselors. Participants were more involved in the instructional activities when the probation officers tried to learn the material with them. The youth seemed more likely to take risks (e.g., reveal personal information, try new things that might embarrass them) when they saw their probation officers taking the same risks. Finally, close involvement of the caseworkers and probation officers or counselors allowed them to handle behavioral problems during the workshops, provide referrals, and work with the youth and their families to ensure that the participants received any additional support needed to develop or maintain positive attitudes and behaviors.