An Iowa detention facility for juveniles is using yoga as a calming tool for offenders.
Both staff and offenders participate in the yoga class offered by the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center, according to a report by KCRG. In January 2016, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation was given a $5,350 grant to help fund the classes. That money was set to be used for more instruction time and to train staff to teach the classes.
KCRG reported that while the offenders were iffy about the thought of yoga classes at first, many of them have come to enjoy it. And one juvenile said the yoga helps calm her if she’s frustrated.
Employees at the facility have also noticed the benefits.
“I’ve had kids tell me when they’re in their rooms at night that they use this to fall asleep,” said center director Dawn Schott, according to the report. “I’ve had kids with anger control issues use this to calm themselves down.”
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