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Assessing Worker Training Needs in Juvenile Probation: A Case Study

NCJ Number
116804
Journal
Journal of Offender Counseling, Services & Rehabilitation Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: (1988) Pages: 83-100
Author(s)
P J Pecora; M W Fraser
Date Published
1988
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Training needs of juvenile probation workers are described, and a staff training needs assessment methodology is demonstrated that focuses on identifying areas of job hindrance due to insufficient knowledge or skill.
Abstract
Juvenile corrections and probation are experiencing extensive changes as determinant sentencing laws and guidelines are adopted across the country. Accompanying policies that decriminalize status offenses, divert minor or first offenders, and provide community-based corrections for all but the most serious offenders are policies that delimit lengths of stay and make participation in treatment programs voluntary. These trends affect knowledge and skill requirements for practice in juvenile corrections and probation. One of the more promising survey-based training needs assessment techniques focuses on worker job hindrance due to insufficient knowledge or skill. This approach is based in part on a method developed at the University of Tennessee in which worker ability and personal characteristic statements are used to identify training needs. This method was applied to assess functional and specific content skills embodied in 95 worker ability statements. Of 34 juvenile probation staff in a northwestern State who received a needs assessment survey in 1982, 24 responded. Areas of job hindrance broadly encompassed legal issues in juvenile justice, child abuse and neglect, working with families, and health care. Juvenile probation trainers and administrators found the needs assessment data useful in planning staff development programs. 23 references, 2 tables. (Author abstract modified)