NCJ Number
107230
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 38 Issue: 3 Dated: (1987) Pages: 1-12
Date Published
1987
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined the tasks comprising the juvenile probation function and the skills needed to perform it in survey data for 70 juvenile probation officers (JPO's).
Abstract
The average age of JPO's was 35 to 49 years old, and 51.4 percent were female. Caseload size was somewhat uniform across departments, and the most frequently reported caseload was 30 clients. Of 67 tasks examined, only 14 were identified by at least 40 percent as being performed on a daily or weekly basis. These included court attendance and consultation, supervision and caseload management (counseling, meeting with clients), case noting, and informal staff conferences. There was high agreement about skills needed, with 19 being rated as very important or of greatest importance by at least 90 percent of JPO's. These skills related to interpersonal relationships, listening and communication skills, objectivity, knowledge of resources, and time management. Some differences in task time allocation and skills ratings were found as a function of JPO sex and age and department size. Training implications are discussed. 6 tables, 1 note, and 22 references.