NCJ Number
76309
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 32 Issue: 1 Dated: (February-March 1981) Pages: 16-30
Date Published
1981
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study was conducted by the Michigan Judicial Institute (MJI) to obtain data needed for developing in-service education of new juvenile court workers, in order to help reduce the high juvenile recidivism rate.
Abstract
A stratified sample of 13 juvenile jurisdictions was selected for study. The selected courts ranged in size from Oakland (954,638) to Roscommon (9,892). A total of 44 workers, 59 percent of whom were male and 14 percent black, were interviewed. The median age of the sample was 27 years. Demographic data and data pertaining to educational needs of the workers were gathered. The findings showed that the workers were well educated (about 30 percent had master's degrees) and used education to help them move vertically. Most had psychology and sociology backgrounds. Many had participated in training programs, had prior work experience, and expressed the need for continuous training. Short-term training was viewed as important to improved service delivery and for employee self-development. A need for advanced skills especially in the area of counseling techniques, methods, and treatment plans emerged. Training in working with special types of clients (e.g., silent clients) and in special situations, (e.g., with families) was requested. A working, not a theoretical knowledge, of the juvenile code was stressed. Programs designed to reduce the prevalent 'burn-out' syndrome were desired. In addition, new workers felt that the court system should provide a well-defined career ladder, based on meritorious service and educational attainment rather than merely years in grade. Statistical data and the background of the study are included.