NCJ Number
89902
Journal
Journal of Intergroup Relations Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1982) Pages: 11-23
Date Published
1982
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The Center for Community Justice identifies and discusses principles of design and implementation for grievance systems in correctional institutions.
Abstract
An effective grievance procedure should have a forum composed of both inmates and line staff, to which complaints may be submitted, and outside review in the form of an expert examination of the grievance should be provided. Further, time limits should be set for every phase of the procedure to ensure prompt handling of each complaint. Also, the system design should require written responses giving the reasons for every decision bearing upon the handling of the grievance. System design should also provide equal access without reprisals as well as broad jurisdiction. In the area of implementation, correctional administrators must participate in the effort to win the commitment of subordinate administrators to the grievance procedures. Key participants in the procedure must be trained in the skills and techniques required for the effective handling of grievances. Other aspects of successful implementation include a continuing orientation program for staff and inmates, monitoring and evaluation, and the introduction of the procedure incrementally. While the principles of design and implementation for a grievance procedure focus primarily on correctional institutions, the principles can also be applied to other institutions providing services to clients.