NCJ Number
70616
Journal
Criminologie Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (1978) Pages: 76-87
Date Published
1978
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The principles followed by a study committee of the Association of Reception Centers in Quebec in developing standards for community treatment centers are outlined.
Abstract
The association seeks to reorganize member centers, to improve communication with apprpriate government agencies, to establish norms, and to promote research. Goals of the standards work group appointed in 1976 are to set priorities for resocialization centers, to define the notion of standards, and to determine criteria for quality evaluation. Community treatment centers are difficult to evaluate because they are constantly changing to fit clientele, objectives, personnel, and programs. After due consideration, however, the study committee has recommended examination of a number of criteria for quality control. These include classification of the establishment, objectives, programs, type and continuity of intervention, records and participation of clients, activities of personnel, and administrative practices. Standards are needed for rehabilitation centers to facilitate public understanding of the institutions and to assure smooth operation of the institution. Dangers such as excessive rigidity in applying standards should not interfere with efforts to evaluate, to plan, and to coordinate programs; to pinpoint inefficiencies; and to increase knowledge about resocialization. The evaluation model developed involves self-evaluation by centers through use of an extensive questionnaire covering crucial criteria. The questionnaire also permits the committee to gather the data necessary for setting standards. Notes are furnished. --in French.