WhyTry is used by the Williamson County CSCD as a way of reaching youthful offenders (17-21) who have been assessed to be in need of this unique style of changing behavior. The WhyTry Program is a strength-based approach to helping youth overcome their challenges and improve outcomes in the areas of truancy, behavior, and academics. It is based on sound, empirical principles, including Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Social and Emotional Intelligence, and multi-sensory learning.
The idea is straight-forward: Teach social and emotional principles to youth in a way they can understand and remember. This is accomplished using a series of ten pictures (visual analogies). Each visual teaches a discrete principle, such as resisting peer-pressure, obeying laws and rules, and that decisions have consequences. The visual components are then reinforced by music and physical activities. The major learning styles—visual, auditory, and body-kinesthetic—are all addressed.
Offenders who participate in the Why Try Program are supervised by one of three supervision officers who have been trained in this curriculum. The officers regularly discuss the skills and information taught in Why Try in an effort to enhance and support their progress.
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