NCJ Number
191538
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 63 Issue: 6 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 101-104
Editor(s)
Susan L. Clayton
Date Published
2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
In this article six elements of environmental structure that form a context for staff safety in juvenile corrections are discussed: physical plant, behavior management, staff relationships with youths, policies and procedures, supervision, and staff training.
Abstract
One of the most important elements of maintaining an effective correctional organization is to address key staff concerns. In juvenile corrections, one issue that has consistently concerned staff, particularly those who work the front line, is personal safety. In this article, six elements of environmental structure that form the context for staff are discussed: physical plant, behavior management, staff relationships with youths, policies and procedures, supervision, and staff training. The physical plant includes the building, the security system, the perimeter barriers, and rooms, doors, and locks. A behavior management system helps structure the inmates’ environment and achieve desired outcomes. The structure of staff relationships with juvenile offenders in their care is a critical component for staff safety in a juvenile corrections environment. Unlike the adult system, in which the structure of the environment is supported by an abundance of aids such as stun guns, juvenile corrections officers must depend on their relationship with offenders to create a safe environment. Policies and procedures maintain a standard for consistent implementation of rules and regulations. An effective supervisor reflects a guiding vision, strong values, and organizational beliefs. And finally, an adequate number of well-trained staff and supervisors is critical, particularly at important junctures, such as the nexus between front line staff and supervisors. These six elements help to create a context for correctional staff safety.