NCJ Number
197233
Journal
Perspectives Volume: 26 Issue: 4 Dated: Fall 2002 Pages: 40-45
Editor(s)
William Burrell
Date Published
2002
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses practices for juvenile correctional institutions, based on research and best-practices literature that have been implemented statewide in Washington.
Abstract
This project, implemented by the Washington Association of Juvenile Court Administrators (WAJCA), and involving collaboration with the academic community, devised methods for building organizational capacity for change, securing additional resources, and conducting extensive training of staff to ensure that the research-based practices were implemented correctly. Many correctional institutions implemented evidence-based practices in their work with youthful offenders in 1990, as part of a movement toward accountability. Effective intervention principles were devised by WAJCA and made a reality. This article covers the context for the project and how the capacity for change was created. It discusses how resources were mobilized in order to develop a risk/need assessment and, further, how to implement that assessment, advanced training, and evidence-based programs. The requirements for program sustainability and integrity are covered, including the need for a risk assessment coordinator, a quality assurance committee, statewide certified trainers, quality assurance specialists, and a staff able to cope with change. Demonstrating the value of juvenile programs to the public is central to providing accountability and is accomplished through data collection which is described here. In summary, it is noted that WAJCA is now recognized not only as the model for implementing best practices, but also empirically demonstrating accountability to youth and communities.