NCJ Number
208279
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 66 Issue: 7 Dated: December 2004 Pages: 122-124,126,127
Date Published
December 2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the process of quality improvement in juvenile corrections.
Abstract
Applying the principles of quality improvement to juvenile corrections will result in benefits for both staff and clients. The process of quality improvement relies on sound data collection and analysis techniques and incorporates specific principles of action and a detailed structure to improve both operational and outcome performance measures. Some of the key principles of quality improvement focus on leadership, process optimization, customer service, and managing through knowledge and collaboration. Each of these principles is discussed in turn with a focus on their application and benefit to juvenile corrections. In short, in order to improve operations and outcomes, data is collected about customer satisfaction so that core processes can be identified that are related to measures needing improvement. Strong leadership and management using best practices and data-driven programs are critical to quality improvement in any organization. The development of quality improvement in the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections is offered as illustration of how quality improvement impacts the delivery and outcomes of juvenile corrections. 6 Endnotes