NCJ Number
79922
Date Published
1977
Length
33 pages
Annotation
Findings and recommendations are presented from an evaluation of a course in Wisconsin that trained juvenile court professionals in family counseling theory and techniques.
Abstract
The training format was designed to emphasize the theeoretical and technical aspects of family counseling, with instructors presenting pertinent concepts in the early stages of the sessions, supplemented by readings from a prepared bibliography. Participating officers then presented case summaries deemed particularly difficult or interesting; these summaries were discussed by the group, with the instructor injecting family counseling theory and techniques as needed. The training also used videotapes to record individual probation officers in actual counseling sessions with clients and their families, with the tapes being used for small-group discussion and analysis. Evaluators measured the satisfaction of trainees and the use of concepts presented in the training. Reactions were obtained from 14 probation staff members and 3 of the other youth workers involved in the training. Responses suggest that there has been little impact from the training to date and there is only a very low probability for such impact in the future. It is recommended that probation officers be allowed greater input into the content of the training and that consideration should be given to alternative groupings of probation staff, since many indicated they would have appreciated the opportunity to interact with their supervisors in the discussions. Evaluation responses are appended. (Author summary modified)