NCJ Number
12607
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 37 Issue: 3 Dated: (SEPTEMBER 1973) Pages: 42-52
Date Published
1973
Length
11 pages
Annotation
EVOLUTION OF AN INSTITUTION FOR YOUTH FROM A TRADITIONAL PROGRAM TO ONE IN WHICH AN EFFECTIVE STRUCTURE FOR DELIVERING TREATMENT WAS ORGANIZED.
Abstract
THIS ARTICLE REVIEWS THE PROGRAM CHANGES MADE AT THE ORMSBY VILLAGE TREATMENT CENTER IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY. UNDER THE OLD STRUCTURE THERE WAS A 'LINE STAFF' AND 'PROFESSIONAL STAFF' IN WHICH THE PROFESSIONAL STAFF WERE THE PERSONS WITH SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE USED AS SUPPORTING SERVICES FOR THE LINE PERSONNEL. UNDER THIS SYSTEM THE CUSTODIAL ORIENTATION WAS FOREMOST AND THE LINES OF AUTHORITY WERE VERY UNCLEAR. UNDER THE TRANSITIONAL STRUCTURE THE COTTAGE SYSTEM WAS ORGANIZED WITH SOCIAL WORKERS AS UNIT SUPERVISORS OVER CHILD CARE WORKERS AND OTHER LESS EXPERIENCED SOCIAL WORKERS. THE PROGRAM AIM WAS STILL ONE OF CUSTODY AND CONTROL. UNDER THE NEW STRUCTURE ALL SOCIAL WORKERS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT INTO THE LINE STRUCTURE AND EACH COTTAGE HAS ITS OWN SOCIAL WORKER. A DISTINCT LINE OF AUTHORITY AND SUPERVISION WAS ESTABLISHED. TREATMENT TEAMS HAVE BEEN ORGANIZED TO TIE IN COTTAGE STAFF. A POLICY COMMITTEE AND A PROFESSIONAL STAFF COMMITTEE HAVE BEEN ORGANIZED FOR THE PURPOSE OF COORDINATION AND TRAINING. UNDER THE NEW PROGRAM ALL RESIDENTS ARE ADJUDICATED DELINQUENTS RANGING IN AGE FROM 13 TO 17. CHILDREN ARE DIAGNOSED AND CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THE CALIFORNIA INTERPERSONAL MATURITY LEVEL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (I-LEVEL SYSTEM). SEVERAL TREATMENT PRESCRIPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AND TREATMENT IS EMPHASIZED OVER CONTROL. PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT IS BASED ON THERAPEUTIC NEEDS. CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE EDUCATIONAL, VOCATIONAL, RELIGIOUS, AND MEDICAL PROGRAMS.