The term "reform school" is spelled as /rɪˈfɔːm skʊl/. The first part, "reform," is pronounced as /rɪˈfɔːm/ with stress on the first syllable and the "re" pronounced as a short "i" sound. The second part, "school," is pronounced as /skʊl/ with stress on the second syllable and the "oo" pronounced as a short "u" sound. In modern times, the term "reform school" has been replaced with "youth detention center" or "juvenile detention center".
A reform school is an institution established by the government or a private organization aimed at rehabilitating and disciplining delinquent or troubled juveniles. Also referred to as a juvenile correctional facility or a residential treatment center, a reform school serves as an alternative to conventional incarceration for young offenders.
The primary objective of a reform school is to provide a structured environment where adolescent offenders can be reformed, rehabilitated, and educated. These institutions often employ various therapeutic techniques such as counseling, group therapy, and behavior modification programs to address both the underlying causes of delinquent behavior and the development of pro-social skills.
In a reform school, emphasis is placed on providing academic instruction, vocational training, and life skills to enable juveniles to reintegrate successfully into society upon completion of their sentence. The curriculum typically includes subjects like mathematics, sciences, literature, vocational training, and counseling sessions to help students overcome their behavioral issues.
Reform schools are usually operated as residential facilities, meaning the juveniles live on the premises for a designated period under the guidance and supervision of trained staff. The aim is to create a structured and safe environment that promotes discipline, personal development, and constructive behavior.
Overall, reform schools seek to offer a comprehensive approach to juvenile rehabilitation, combining discipline with education, therapy, and skill-building to support positive change and prevent further criminal activity in young offenders.
The term "reform school" originated in the late 19th century in the United States. It is composed of two elements: "reform" and "school".
- "Reform" comes from the Latin word "reformare", which means "to form again" or "to change for the better". It entered the English language in the 14th century and is used to indicate the improvement or amendment of a system or practice.
- "School" is derived from the Latin word "schola", which originally meant "leisure for learning" and evolved to refer to a place of instruction or education. "School" entered the English language from Old English in the 9th century.
When combined, "reform" and "school" in the term "reform school" signify a specialized educational institution designed to rehabilitate and reform young offenders, rather than being purely punitive.