| The following research contributes to the growing body of literature on alternative healing practices and programs that have the potential to fundamentally transform our current juvenile justice system. The study evaluates the Breaking the Cycle with Dignity. Overcoming Insurmountable Obstacles Human Relations and Conflict Management Training, which focuses on teaching individuals working in the juvenile justice system the importance and effectiveness of utilizing culturally-based practices to address youth violence and crime. The training successfully increased participants' sense of empathy, self-reflective practice, party capacity, and fundamental belief in their ability to positively transform themselves, as well as their homes, organizations, and communities. While an additional long-term study is needed to further prove the effectiveness of culturally-specific curriculums in addressing cross-cultural conflict, this exploratory study provides evidence that utilizing cultural practices and spiritual traditions does positively contribute to identifying and diffusing real and/or perceived racial and gang-related conflict, and provides a strong foundation for a future long-term study. |
