Psychological Services - A Consumer Model for Probation Officers

• NCJ Number: 89265
• Journal: Federal Probation Volume: 47 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1983) Pages: 21-25
• Author(s): G A Foelker; R Bomer; R L Hall
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The proposed consumer model for probation's use of psychological services consists of identifying services providers, establishing relationships, making referrals, giving feedback and redressing grievances, and consumer activism.

Abstract

The identification of psychological service providers involves compiling a listing using the following means: (1) pooling of the names of all service providers officers have used, are using, or have heard about; (2) securing of the names of psychologists in the yellow pages of the telephone directory; (3) obtaining a registry of licensed and certified psychological personnel in the State from the State licensing board; and (4) advertising in the newspaper or the newsletters of psychological associations. In establishing relationships with the service providers, the task is to convert the list of potential providers to a list of providers who will be used. This consists of determining categorical data about the clientele typically referred for psychological services; identifying the types of services needed, the level of specificity of psychological recommendations, and the deadlines for service delivery; and having someone in authority with knowledge of the case data to contact potential providers. The essential task of the negotiations is to determine if a potential service provider will deliver the needed services. The task of making referrals to the service provider involves determining what referral form will be used, what kind and specificity of information will be on the form, and from whom and to whom the form will be sent. The fourth component of the model is the feedback process needed to keep the system operative. This involves both positive and negative comments on the services received. The final component -- consumer activism -consists of engaging in activity to promote change in the market of psychological services when there are too few providers, too high fees, or too long a period for providing reports. This involves organizing probation officers as a consumer group. Nine footnotes are provided.