Examining Correctional Staff Members’ Engagement in Rehabilitation as Part of Their Everyday Practices in Short‐term Juvenile Detention

Abstract

Highlights The experiences of detained youth may rest predominantly in their interactions with detention staff. This study examined rehabilitative practices infused within the daily activities of detention staff. We found evidence for three categories of rehabilitative practices embedded in staff activities. Our findings can be used to build staff members’ capacity to bridge service gaps in detention.

Developing and Defining Staff -Youth Relationships within a Juvenile Correctional Facility

“…Previous research demonstrates the significant potential among correctional staff to positively impact youth (Brown, Fine, & Cauffman, 2019). However, these studies also note the need for ongoing analysis of the attitudes and roles of staff (Walden & Allen, 2019;Farkas, 1999;Griffin, 2006;Marsh & Evans, 2009).…”

“…In addition to policies promoting rehabilitative efforts, a recent study found that correctional staff have the potential to carry out rehabilitative practices in their everyday routine interactions with youth (Walden & Allen, 2019). Moreover, correctional staff can play a decisive role in whether the juvenile corrections experience is rehabilitative or not.…”