Masthead

Staff Training & Development

Juvenile justice agencies generally do not have a uniform training protocol and rely on more experienced staff to mentor new employees. With a 40-80% estimated annual worker turnover in the nation’s juvenile justice programs (e.g., juvenile corrections, residential caseworkers, substance abuse, and behavioral counselors), this “pass it along” mentorship strategy is problematic at best. Staff can become immobilized and feel inadequate to deal with the intensity of the needs of girls. In focus groups, staff reported to NCCD researchers that the treatment needs of girls are increasing and they are not equipped to effectively intervene (Patino et al., 2006).

The NCCD Center for Girls and Young Women provides staff training and technical assistance guided by a framework that aligns gender-specific assessment with practical interventions. Training curriculums are tailored to address the unique needs of administrators, judges, public defenders, foster care, and direct service staff. The Center’s Girl Matters^® Curriculum is a staff training curriculum designed to provide practical interventions and tools for direct care staff, counselors, caseworkers, probation officers, detention workers, and administrators. Objectives of the curriculum include: 1) introducing the core concepts, theories and practical interventions that promote a gender-responsive culture, 2) challenging staff to think about the importance of their relationships and interactions with girls and young women in their care, 3) Serving as a catalyst for change in how staff think about, respond to and provide services to system involved girls and young women, and 4) encouraging professionals to be deliberate in the creation and delivery of services and interventions to girls and young women.

Other curricula/training offerings.

Additionally, we host workshops and will sponsor conferences.