NCJ Number
131853
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 21 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1991) Pages: 557-572
Date Published
1991
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The supervision of a therapeutic community is discussed from the perspective of implementation of standards for a positive, practical environment for the beneficial treatment of substance abusers. Criteria are delineated for the physical environment, staff functions, and house functions.
Abstract
Evaluation of the conditions of the living quarters focus on the warmth and cleanliness of the environment, particularly the kitchen and dining room. Signs and posters in the hallways indicate a positive atmosphere. It is important to determine attitudes, expectations, and relationships of the staff. The staff needs to understand that their individual input is secondary to their responsibility to create a therapeutic milieu and become a team player. The degree of trust and mutual respect among the various disciplines found on staff needs to be ascertained. House residents may be asked what the rules are and why they exist in order to determine any evidence of staff exploitation of residents. Grievance procedures need to be implemented if not available. Evaluation of house functions includes an examination of the house schedule of counseling, educational, and recreational activities as to whether it is conducted according to the agency's stated policies.