NCJ Number
83258
Date Published
Unknown
Length
25 pages
Annotation
The plan for a juvenile services center in a semirural California county offering detention, shelter, and crisis intervention counseling demonstrates the person-environment programming method which synthesizes behavioral science concerns, user involvement, and high quality architectural and environmental planning.
Abstract
Need for a flexible, centralized facility to handle juvenile problems was identified by the probation department. The planning team included individuals experienced in architecture, juvenile correctional facilities, programming, and behavioral science. The person-environment programming method proceeded through five major phases beginning with a survey of the literature relevant to the facility and its users' behavior. In phase two, all potential users of the facility were identified, and policies governing management and operations were formulated. Scenarios were written describing major events to be carried out in the center, and the users' cultural backgrounds and attitudes which might affect the use of space were studied. Phase three determined performance criteria for area, circulation, ambient environment, safety and security, surfaces, furnishings, flexibility, and site design. Options for levels and kinds of space provision were considered in phase four along with their costs. Finally, a space specification was developed which consisted of a program summary sheet for each type of activity area, a listing of the number of areas of each type to be included in the facility, and a set of adjacency diagrams showing how the areas relate to one another. The paper summarizes the plan's final design recommendations for a center that was responsive to the individual, allowed flexibility in behavior and accommodations, and fostered staff-juvenile contact. It also discusses evaluation methodologies and the planning approach's strengths and weaknesses. The paper provides seven references.