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The colorful evolution of a strength-based treatment model

Updated: 12/5/2005

by Richard Quigley

For more than 50 years, adolescent peer group treatment has been both glorified and criticized. Quality control has been a problem for the Positive Peer Culture (PPC) treatment modality throughout its history. The following article includes observations and commentary on the history, strength-based elements, and criticism of PPC.

Positive Peer Culture (PPC) (Vorrath & Brendtro, 1985) has enjoyed a rich and colorful history and has been the focus of much debate. The advent of PPC helped usher in the concept that troubled adolescents had positive potential and could become the source of their own and others' rehabilitation. PPC empowers young people to utilize their strengths and assets to help instill positive values and create behavioral change in themselves and others. This "youth empowerment" movement began in the 1950s and was so strong that it ignited a faithful following that continues into the twenty-first century. Throughout its somewhat turbulent history, PPC has remained a beacon of hope, seeking out and putting... [read on]

Keywords: adolescent troubled youth teen teenager discipline based treatment model