Introductory Remarks for a CLTL-Conference Juvenile Panel Discussion
By Judge Joseph Reardon (profile)
June 4, 2004

The importance of Changing Lives Through Literature cannot be overstated. If we seek to change the behavior of a human being, we know that punishments rarely, if ever, accomplish this objective.

What the clinical research and numerous other studies indicate is that positive reinforcement is the most powerful tool we have to produce a change in human behavior. Positive reinforcement is a model based upon praise, reward, respect, and egalitarian treatment. The second most powerful tool is negative reinforcement, a model based upon the concept of reduction in owed obligations as a reward for achievement of targeted goals.

When we ask probationers to join with us in exploring literature, we are presenting them with the opportunity to engage in a journey of self-discovery and to expand their usually narrow and selfish view of the world. This journey inward becomes increasingly significant as these probationers discover that we are all humans and our very humanity is the common feature binding us together. They discover the truth enunciated so beautifully by John Donne in his classic, "No man is an island, entire of itself . . . Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee."

We know that CLTL works with our adult probationers. This morning we are here to explore the efficacy of our program with juvenile probationers. As a judge dealing exclusively with adults and observing firsthand the impact of literature and interrelating with probationers, I believe that CLTL can be as successful with juveniles. And it will aid in reducing the recidivism rate of these youthful offenders, both as juveniles and as subsequent adults.

The methodology of positive and negative reinforcement should work with this target population as it has with adults. We have a panel of experts here who will be sharing their insights and the knowledge gleaned from many years of juvenile-probation experience. I have always found that the best and most reliable source of information comes from experience. You are about to hear a discussion that will affirm the basis of my belief. This is the first time juvenile programs have given a presentation at a CLTL conference. We are about to hear things we haven't heard before.