NCJ Number
163315
Journal
Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1995) Pages: 59-61
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. developed an undergraduate curriculum for juvenile detention caseworkers, based on survey research conducted with Indiana juvenile detention center directors.
Abstract
The department reviewed the entry-level skills needed for the line staff. Detention center directors also described the educational capabilities that a successful applicant must possess to be an effective child care provider. Center directors also commented on the relevance and emphasis of each current course offering. The directors responded that line staff must have verbal and written communication skills, behavior management skills, a basic knowledge of Constitutional law, an understanding of juvenile law and the history of juvenile justice services, an understanding of adolescent psychology and physiology, and a solid foundation of personal morals and ethics. The department related these needs to the existing liberal arts curriculum. Areas examined included English, history, mathematics, speech, humanities and cultural diversity, laboratory sciences, social sciences, physical education and health, computer sciences, foreign languages, and business and accounting.