NCJ Number
87386
Date Published
1981
Length
22 pages
Annotation
A survey of juvenile justice agencies, organizations, and individuals pertaining to ongoing training programs and staff training needs revealed a strong commitment to training but scarce resources to accomplish it, leaving staff with training needs particularly in the area of process issues.
Abstract
About 400 respondents answered a letter of inquiry relating to ongoing training programs, and 208 responded to queries about staff training needs. Although no attempt was made to develop a scientific sample of the juvenile justice community, especially since it was not possible to identify all existing programs, a purposive sample was developed that included all segments within the public and private sectors. Overall, survey findings reveal a dearth of precise data and information about ongoing training programs in juvenile justice administration. This does not necessarily mean that little is occurring in this area; rather, it suggests that it is not possible to measure accurately what juvenile justice agencies are doing about ongoing training programs for their staffs. The materials obtained from respondents show that ongoing training programs tend to focus on daily activities and responsibilities. Regarding training needs, line staff tended to indicate a need for training in managing client interactions and interventions; supervisors want training in subordinate management; and top-level personnel desire training in techniques of organizational management and administration. Respondents rarely reported that evaluations of training programs occurred. It is imperative that a Federal agency such as the National Institute of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (NIJJDP) provide leadership and some of the resources to develop, maintain, and upgrade personnel and services in juvenile justice administration. Seventeen recommendations deal with the specifics of implementing such a policy. Eleven references are provided.