NCJ Number
116334
Journal
Corrections Today Dated: (August 1988) Pages: 84-87
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Detention, community supervision of probation or parole, group homes, forestry and wilderness camps, specialized residential centers, and traditional training schools are among juvenile correctional programs in which useful and rewarding careers can be found.
Abstract
Unfortunately, careers in juvenile corrections often are less well compensated than those in adult corrections; and, for many, the juvenile field seems a dead end. Administrators and professional organizations must work to improve this situation. Priority must be given to career development, and the opportunity to advance must be tied to effort and skills rather than the mere passage of time. Correctional youth care workers need to believe that their superiors and the public realize the importance of their work. Supervisors and legislative bodies must recognize the need for adequate training. Some progress is being made. Several organizations are trying to enhance the image of juvenile correctional workers through public information and awards for excellence. Courses are being developed, and many professional associations and higher learning institutions are offering training conferences and workshops. An effort also is being made to gain funding for a national juvenile corrections academy. While the outlook for a brighter and more fruitful career in juvenile corrections has never been brighter, the challenges are great. But the opportunity to meet the challenges is greater still. 1 reference.