NCJ Number
16976
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 20 Issue: 3 Dated: (JULY 1974) Pages: 291-296
Date Published
1974
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A DESCRIPTION OF A NEW TYPE OF CORRECTIONAL MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY, WHICH CONCENTRATES A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF CLINICIAN AND BEHAVIORAL PROFESSIONALS IN ONE LOCATION TO FORM A MAJOR CORRECTIONAL MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR STATES THAT MOST CORRECTIONAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES SUFFER FROM DIFFICULTIES IN RECRUITING AND MAINTAINING WELL-QUALIFIED STAFF MEMBERS AND FROM PRODUCING MUCH NONFUNCTIONAL WORK. THE USE OF A CLINICAL RESOURCES CENTER (CRC), IN WHICH STAFF AND FUNCTIONS ARE DIRECTED TOWARD SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES, IS SUGGESTED AS AN ALTERNATIVE ORGANIZATION OF SERVICES. THE CRC WOULD OFFER SCREENING, TARGETED TO ACTUAL TRANSFER AND ORGANIZATIONAL DECISIONS AND CONDUCTED AT THE LOWEST STAFF LEVEL NECESSARY. IT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE INTENSIVE INDIVIDUAL EVALUATIONS FOR EARLY IDENTIFICATION AND AGENCY PROGRAM PLANNING, DIRECT TREATMENT SERVICES, AND FIELD AND CONSULTATION SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM AND WITHIN THE INSTITUTION, INCLUDING MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING FUNCTIONS. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING, AND RESEARCH ARE ALSO PART OF THE CRC FACILITY. THE AUTHOR STATES THAT BY CONCENTRATING SUBSTANTIAL NUMBERS OF BEHAVIORAL PROFESSIONALS IN ONE LOCATION, THE CRC MOBILIZES THEIR SKILLS TOWARD MEETING SPECIFIC DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES. IT IS DESIGNED TO SERVE AS BOTH A TEST LABORATORY FOR PROGRAM IDEAS AND A MEANS OF EXTENDING MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AND SKILLS THROUGH A CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)