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Correctional Officers' Perceptions of a Solution-Focused Training Program: Potential Implications for Working With Offenders

NCJ Number
236048
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 55 Issue: 6 Dated: September 2011 Pages: 863-879
Author(s)
Peter Jen Der Pan; Liang-Yu F. Deng; Shona Shih Hua Chang; Karen Jye-Ru Jiang
Date Published
September 2011
Length
17 pages
Annotation
The purpose of this exploratory study was to explore correctional officers' perceptions and experiences during a solution-focused training program.
Abstract
The purpose of this exploratory study was to explore correctional officers' perceptions and experiences during a solution-focused training program and to initiate development of a modified pattern for correctional officers to use in jails. The study uses grounded theory procedures combined with a follow-up survey. The findings identified six emergent themes: obstacles to doing counseling work in prisons, offenders' amenability to change, correctional officers' self-image, advantages of a solution-focused approach (SFA), potential advantages of applying SFA to offenders, and the need for the consolidation of learning and transformation. Participants perceived the use of solution-focused techniques as appropriate, important, functional, and of only moderate difficulty in interacting with offenders. Finally, a modified pattern was developed for officers to use when working with offenders in jails. Suggestions and recommendations are made for correctional interventions and future studies. (Published Abstract)