NCJ Number
79473
Date Published
1979
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This study identifies ecological concepts that yield design guidelines related to the therapeutic goals of an environment. These concepts are used to evaluate the design of 11 residential treatment homes for delinquent youths in Tucson, Ariz.
Abstract
These analyses are centered on four design features: specific physical areas needed, focal point, environmental problems, and community services. Data were collected by walk-throughs, interviews, and photography. The ecological concept of environmental focal points is defined and two such areas are found in this sample. The living and dining rooms meet focal point criteria in that they attract a large number and variety of people to engage in the various behavioral resources of these areas continuously throughout the day. Environmental problems associated with proper functioning of the behavior settings in the study sample are arranged in 16 categories. Response data reveal some general environmental issues. Staff at the residential treatment homes value house compactness and locational proximity of functionally similar areas. Five of the homes have compact designs which promote efficiency, easy monitoring, and simple maintenance. The other six homes are larger and have extra spaces for many of the therapeutic program goals but have problems related to monitoring, maintenance, and efficiency. According to the house parents, essential community services which must be located near the home, are shopping centers with a grocery store, educational facilities, and agency headquarters. Tables, maps, and 12 references are provided. For the full report of the environmental evaluation, see NCJ 79472. (Author summary modified)