Matching Treatment and Management Systems in Correctional Institutions (From Managing Human Services - Perspectives and Practices, P 133-138, 1979, Jesse F McClure, ed.)

• NCJ Number: 72812
• Author(s): R Babcock; P F Sorensen
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: International Dialogue Press
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. Paper originally presented at the first annual Conference of the Institute for Human Service Management, held in Sacramento, California, June 28-30, 1978.

Annotation

The process of matching management systems to particular treatment formats is described for two State youth correction institutions in the same State system.

Abstract

In business management, a contingency theory is emerging in which different management systems are developed for different technologies and rates of change. Since the imposition of a single system of management on all correctional institutions does not make sense, a contingency model for correctional institutions seems appropriate, with the contingency factor in the typology being the treatment system used by each institution. At site A, the treatment methodology emphasized positive peer culture where ongoing juvenile groups or teams were matched with a team of professionals. The team of professionals developed a treatment program for each juvenile, guided him through an individualized program of rehabilitation in the peer group setting, and made parole recommendations and presentations. The management prescription for site A was to move toward a participative system of treatment and a consultative or participative system of making management decisions, while reserving important policy decisions for the superintendent. Site B had a treatment methodology based on behavior modification through rewarding identified behaviors with positive feedback and support. Since such a treatment system dictates consistency in treatment, the most appropriate management system was a centralized, structured, and formalized system with standardized policies and rules guiding the rehabilitation of the juveniles. Practical aspects of matching each of the management systems to the treatment formats are discussed. Footnotes and references are provided for each chapter.