NCJ Number
239964
Date Published
2010
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This handout contains information for examining agency culture that can contribute to the problem of sexual abuse of youth in custody.
Abstract
The primary objectives of this training module on addressing the problem of sexual abuse of youth in custody are: 1) to define agency culture; 2) to understand the components of culture; 3) to identify influences on agency culture; 4) to understand specific issues related to juvenile agencies; 5) to understand the impact of culture on juvenile agencies; and 6) to identify strategies for changing culture. The module begins with a discussion on the foundations of culture and the components of agency culture, which consist of beliefs, values, norms, and phantom rules. Next, the module examines the different things that influence agency culture, such as critical events, the hiring process, the promotional process, leadership and agency ethics, public opinion, staff-staff interactions, staff-youth dynamics, youth-youth dynamics, agency policy and procedures, language, and the disciplinary process. Other issues covered in this training module include the impact of staff culture on investigations, staff and the employee code of silence, staff sexual misconduct, and challenges for leadership. Also covered is the impact of youth culture, especially as it concerns youth on youth sexual abuse. The final sections of the module cover three steps for changing culture, as well as strategies for changing agency/organization culture. The steps changing culture include understanding the current culture (the way things are now), deciding what the organizational culture should look like to support success, and promoting the idea that individuals in the organization must decide to change their behavior to create the desired culture. Strategies for changing culture include involving all key entities, using a top-down approach, creating a culture and community of accountability, having strong and effective leadership, envisioning the big picture, and creating value and belief systems.