NCJ Number
162881
Journal
Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1996) Pages: 15-18
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes a model training program instituted in a new juvenile detention facility before youth were admitted; it highlights the value of comprehensive staff training before the new facility begins operations.
Abstract
The McLean County Juvenile Detention Center in Normal, Ill., is the most recent example of the successful use of an extended preservice training program for new facility staff prior to the admission of youth to the facility. Combining Illinois requirements with those of the American Correctional Association, a plan for comprehensive training was developed and implemented before youth were admitted to the facility. The plan focused on the basic issues of new staff and how to be immediately successful in juvenile detention. The 40-hour basic training curriculum includes a history of detention; the philosophy of detention; legal issues in detention; understanding detainees; behavior observation; behavior management; the acting-out juvenile; crisis intervention; stress management and prevention; security, control, and physical restraint; search procedures; cultural competence; and daily programming. In addition to this course, staff designed a 20-hour, onsite field observation experience for all staff. The staff also created an additional 100 hours of training to supplement basic training and the field experience. The additional training focused directly on the McLean County facility. Topics addressed in this 100 hours of training are listed. Staff spent 12 hours of training in the units on the implementation of hypothetical situations, and another 12 hours was spent on a vulnerability survey of the center, the operations, and the physical plant. 1 reference