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Rehabilitation of at-risk youth via educational nomadism program and development of place identity

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  • Billig, Miriam
  • Bushari, Michal Giar

Abstract

Youth need support and mediation during the ongoing process of their maturation, especially at-risk youth who are characterized by a tendency towards escape patterns and avoid seeking help from formal simulations. This article deals with an innovative “educational nomadism” program for at-risk youth aged 14–19 that takes place at the Shepherd’s Farm. Our study, based on qualitative methods, including observations, semi-structured interviews, and analysis of official documents from the farm management, assumes the perspective of the youth to examine the key factors in the program that helped them change their worldview and desire for rehabilitation. The research findings point to two central factors that led to significant transformations in the rehabilitation process: the isolated physical environment and minimalist living conditions that characterized the farm, and the connection to a meaningful actor who guided them and gave them responsibility for a field of work on the farm. It turns out that cultivating a place identity and an emotional attachment to the farm allowed the youth to rebuild their confidence in their abilities, strengthen their sense of self and personal meaning, and promote their ability to develop a future orientation. This study showcases the effectiveness of “cultivating place identity” by bringing about change in the field of rehabilitation, which has not received sufficient attention to date.

Suggested Citation

  • Billig, Miriam & Bushari, Michal Giar, 2025. "Rehabilitation of at-risk youth via educational nomadism program and development of place identity," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:176:y:2025:i:c:s0190740925002932
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108410
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Friedman, Shimi & Billig, Miriam, 2018. "Education, socialization and community: Coping with marginal youth in rural frontier communities in Israel," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 103-109.
    2. Borgna, Camilla & Struffolino, Emanuela, 2017. "Pushed or pulled? Girls and boys facing early school leaving risk in Italy," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 61, pages 298-313.
    3. Miriam Billig & Asaf Lebovitz, 2014. "Empowering peripheral communities by using place-identity: Israeli student villages as a platform for a servant creative class," Community Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 45(4), pages 368-386, October.
    4. Naomi Smith & Peter Walters, 2018. "Desire lines and defensive architecture in modern urban environments," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 55(13), pages 2980-2995, October.
    5. de Soet, R. & Nooteboom, L.A. & Bansema, C.H. & van Ewijk, H. & Nijland, L. & Vermeiren, R.R.J.M., 2023. "How to meet the needs of youth with severe and enduring mental health problems: A qualitative study to barriers and facilitators in treatment," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    6. Sulimani-Aidan, Yafit & Melkman, Eran, 2024. "A comparative analysis of protective and promotive factors of at-risk youth in the community and in residential care settings in Israel," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
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