Aggression Replacement Training (ART)

Aggression Replacement Training (ART) is cognitive behavioral intervention focused on adolescents, training them to cope with their aggressive and violent behaviors. It is a multi-modal program that is comprised of three components; Social skills, Anger Control Training and Moral Reasoning. ART was developed in the US during in 1981 and is now used in human services systems including, but not limited to juvenile justice systems, human services schools and adult corrections throughout North America as well as Europe, South America, and Australia.

ART was designed by Arnold P. Goldstein and Barry Glick in the 1980s. They took concepts from a number of other theories for working with youth and synthesized theory, practice and techniques into one comprehensive system. Each of the three components use a process to insure youth learn the skills in class and transfer such skills to new situations outside of the group. The model also focuses on Jean Piaget concept of peer learning. It has been shown that youth learn best from other youth. ART is an evidence based program utilized in many areas. In Washington, ART was added as one of the four different evidence based programs implemented due to the 1997 Community Justice Accountability Act.

ART is a 10 week program, meeting three times a week for one hour for each of the components. To have the best results it is facilitated and co-facilitated by trained group facilitators. Room set up, introduction of materials, the number of participants, and the participant’s history are all issues that work towards having a profitable group