NCJ Number
197280
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 64 Issue: 6 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 107-111,140
Editor(s)
Susan L. Clayton M.S.
Date Published
October 2002
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the development of the Case Management Program within the Dixon Correctional Institute in the State of Louisiana serving youthful offenders sentenced to the adult prison system offering intensive rehabilitation services.
Abstract
In response to an increase in the youthful offender population in Louisiana due to the passing of legislation in 1994 which delineated 14 as the age an individual can be tried as an adult for specific crimes and the authority of transfer expanded for 15 and 16 year olds, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections commissioned the development and implementation of a case management system targeting youthful offenders. Under the Case Management Program operated out of the Dixon Correctional Institute (DCI) in Jackson, security and administrative staff are responsible for normal operations and programming of the general population and providing for the special needs of identified youthful offenders. Once identified through interviews with the DCI social workers and the Youthful Offender Board, youthful offenders are transferred to DCI and undergo an in-depth evaluation. A plan is developed with detailed goals and incentives. After having received funds to enhance its ability to better meet the needs of the youthful offenders, the development of a more structured program was initiated. The DCI youthful offender staff attended a training seminar at the National Institute of Corrections where a 6-month timeline was established for the development stage of the Program on the following required issues: staffing, program eligibility, recruiting offenders, segregation/housing, scheduling, point system/discipline, education, therapy programs, visiting/family consultation, nutritional requirements, identification, and program recognition. With the program still in the developmental stage, implementation recommendations included having the flexibility to make changes, hiring experienced and dedicated staff, beginning with a small population, reviewing or researching other programs, and providing the necessary staff training.