NCJ Number
101003
Date Published
1985
Length
136 pages
Annotation
To examine the perceptions of the social climates found in Utah's new youth corrections facilities and the relationship between counseling philosophies and social climate, questionnaires were administered to 108 staff members and 111 residents at 5 facilities between November 1984 and February 1985.
Abstract
All subjects completed the Correctional Environment Scale (Real Form); staff also completed the Ideal Form of the Scale and the Counseling Practice Beliefs Inventory. Analysis of data indicates that the new youth corrections system is perceived quite positively by staff and residents. The system appears to be characterized by a strong cognitive treatment orientation and a positive staff-resident culture. The system appears to be flexible, nonauthoritarian, and well organized; and punishment per se does not appear to be strongly advocated by staff. Results also suggest that there is open communication between line and administrative staff, that both work with a common mission toward common goals, and that a team approach is used. Finally, results indicate that the facilities were quite similar in philosophy and program, suggesting that the new system is cohesive and not fragmented. Tables, consent forms, and 66 references. (Author abstract modified)