'Shock' program aims to give young their lives back

Word is spreading that some of the teens that served as lookouts in the high-schooler holdup of a local Food Lion may be allowed to go through a boot-camp like 90-day program to reduce their 6-year sentences.

Read more stories on this subject in our robbery topic page.The program, Shock Incarceration, allows some young, non-violent offenders to go through a 90-day military-style program to (hopefully) teach them the skills they need to live law abiding lives.

According to the department of corrections:
Corrections has developed a 90-day Shock Incarceration Program where participants are involved in an intensive curriculum of discipline, work, strenuous physical activities, education and other programs. Shock Incarceration is designed to instill the offender with self-discipline, a positive attitude, good values and behavior.

What seems like every news outlet in town has a write-up on the program and the teens, but The Post and Courier has what's generally the best, saying:
Statistically, the chance for most to get enrolled appears good. Last year, 471 youths were accepted, while only 58 were rejected.

Some of the former Wando students had minor brushes with the law, including underage drinking, after their initial arrests. It is not clear whether those brushes will affect their chances of enrollment.

Those who do not qualify for Shock, based on their involvement, likely will serve youthful offender terms of 12 to 18 months if they are well-behaved, defense attorneys have said.

All in all, The Post and Courier goes into much depth and is a good read, they also have a photo gallery from the program.

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