NCJ Number
79474
Date Published
1979
Length
25 pages
Annotation
Conducted in five residential treatment homes for delinquent youths between 12 and 21 years old in Tucson, Ariz., this study develops an inventory of behavior settings and their adequacy of accommodation in these homes.
Abstract
Four of the homes have all-Indian populations while one has a mixed Indian and white population. One of the all-Indian homes has female residents while the other four homes have male youths. Data were collected on the number of behavior settings, the type of behavior settings, and physical environment assets and deficiencies. Data were collected by observation, photography, and interviews. A total of 88 existing and 14 needed behavior settings were identified. Together these constitute a master list of behavior settings defining behavioral goals of the home. Based on the results obtained and the recommendations of respondents, several general principles of environmental design are offered for residential treatment homes. These include (1) the number and type of physical area needs should be dictated by the number and types of behavior settings to be accommodated; (2) each home should have a focal point, such as the recreation room where a variety of people and activities converge; (3) the home should be designed so that the quiet physical areas such as bedrooms are separated as a group from noisy-active areas such as the dining room, living room, etc., with the focal point between the two; and (4) private sleeping areas should exist for parents and children. Tables, 14 references, and appended material (including floor plans) are provided. For the full report of the environmental evaluation, see NCJ 79472.