Correctional Training Standards: A Basis for Improving Quality and Professionalism (From State of Corrections: Proceedings of ACA Annual Conferences, 1989, P 44-58, 1990, Ann Dargis, ed. -- See NCJ-122583)

• NCJ Number: 122592
• Author(s): M J Gilbert
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 15 pages
• Sale Source: American Correctional Association
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

If corrections is to attain professional status, it will probably occur through the use of education, training, and standards in a continual search for knowledge, improvement, legitimacy, competence, respect, a sense of worth, and the underlying principles that promote constructive change in offenders.

Abstract

Improving staff skills is becoming increasingly important to reduce liability problems, improve the consistency of operations, and increase the probability that policies and programs will be carried out. Although standards can be potentially embarrassing, they are useful for defining the minimum level of performance expected. Training standards must address the definitional issues regarding quality and effectiveness, distinguish between good and poor designs, meet the skill-development needs of both the organization and the employees throughout their careers, and clarify the values and principles that are the foundation of correctional training. The first correctional training standards were developed in the late 1970's by the American Correctional Association's Commission on Accreditation for Corrections. In addition, beginning in 1979, the American Association of Correctional Training Personnel has developed qualitative standards for correctional training. Thus, the field of correctional training is gradually being defined, and the standards represent steps in corrections' efforts to attain the characteristics of a professional occupation. 23 references and appended draft standards.