NCJ Number
45023
Journal
OFFENDER REHABILITATION Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (FALL 1977) Pages: 65-75
Date Published
1977
Length
11 pages
Annotation
THE APPLICATION OF ROLE THEORY IN PROVIDING CONSULTATION SERVICES FOR ADOLESCENT GROUP HOMES IS EXPLORED.
Abstract
IN ROLE THEORY, ROLES ARE DISTINGUISHED AS CONVENTIONAL OR INTERPERSONAL. CONVENTIONAL ROLES ARE BASED ON ROUTINE RESPONSES TO HUMAN SITUATIONS AND REGULARIZED STRUCTURES, WHILE INTERPERSONAL ROLES DEVELOP OUT OF UNIQUE INTERACTIVE SITUATIONS, WHICH IN TURN LEAD TO CREATIVE ROLE PERFORMANCE AND EXPECTATION. CONSULTANTS IN GROUP HOMES HAVE INADEQUATE CONVENTIONAL ROLE MODELS OR EXPECTATIONS TO GUIDE THEIR PERFORMANCE AND THEREFORE MUST USE THE INTERPERSONAL MODEL. THE INTERPERSONAL ROLE MODEL FOCUSES ON THE CONSULTANT'S INTEGRATIVE FUNCTION RATHER THAN ON THE PROVISION OF CLINICAL SERVICES. THE CONSULTANT ENHANCES THE HELPING SKILLS OF THE REGULAR STAFF, INTERPRETS ROLES OF OUTSIDE PROFESSIONALS WHO PROVIDE SERVICES, AND INTEGRATES THESE ROLES AND RELATIONSHIPS. IN CARRYING OUT THESE FUNCTIONS, THE CONSULTANT REQUIRES AN APPROPRIATE DEGREE OF ROLE DISTANCING. THE CONSULTANT MUST STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN SUBJECTIVE INVOLVEMENT AT AN EXPERIENTIAL LEVEL AND OBJECTIVE PROFESSIONAL COMPOSURE APPROPRIATE TO THE SITUATION. THE CONSULTANT CAN DESIGNATE THREE AREAS -- RESIDENT INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, STAFF RELATIONSHIPS, AND STAFF-RESIDENT RELATIONSHIPS -- AS THE FOCUS OF A DYNAMIC CONSULTATION CARRIED OUT IN MEETINGS INVOLVING ALL STAFF AND RESIDENTS. A LIST OF REFERENCES IS INCLUDED.