NCJ Number
108814
Date Published
1987
Length
142 pages
Annotation
This research examined the essential competencies needed by juvenile probation officers for effective performance via a Delphi panel study and a survey of juvenile probation administrators from all 50 States.
Abstract
A panel of 61, 56, and 55 experts (judges, administrators, trainers, and officers) rated 97 competencies for level of importance in 3 iterations. Of the 97 items, 16 met criteria for being extremely important and 28 were rated as very important for entry level officers. These skills included individual counseling, report preparation, time management, understanding family dynamics, understanding criminal justice system roles and functions, intervention skills, recognizing substance abuse, and working with hard-to-place juveniles. Others included resource development, dealing with violent/serious offenders, crisis prevention and intervention, knowledge of adolescent growth and development, problem identification skills, and knowledge of treatment modalities and case law. National survey data indicate that there were significant differences between departments with State standards and those without in the areas of (1) orientation training and experience requirements for entry-level officers and (2) continuing education and training for experienced officers. Of the 157 departments responding, 48 percent of departments with State mandates complied with national professional standards, as compared with 15 percent of departments without State mandates. Research instruments, 12 tables, and 27 references. (Author abstract modified)