NCJ Number
128238
Journal
Corrections Today Dated: (June/July 1990) Pages: 78-79,140,142-143
Date Published
1990
Length
5 pages
Annotation
These two articles are parts one and two of a series on consultants in general and in the corrections field. The emphasis is on understanding who consultants are, what they do, what they should do, and on the factors that determine the consultant's value to the agency hiring the consultant.
Abstract
There is an expanding role for correctional consultants as corrections begins to follow a corporate model in which specialized expertise is no longer retained in-house. Consultants are defined here with the neutral, problematic, and positive aspects of that definition. Consultants are seen as offering expertise at a reasonable cost and being solution-oriented; catalysts for positive change. They are also seen as credibility factors to the organization, hired to substantiate the agency's own findings and recommendations. Preparation is essential for consulting success on the part of the consultant, and consultants must be good listeners. Sometimes, a consultant will need to hire an additional consultant to supplement knowledge or skill areas to meet the client's requirements. Tips on how to be a successful consultant are included.