Research Question: Does training in and implementation of strength-based practices affect the social climate of juvenile justice facilities based on staff and resident surveys and critical incident reports?
Project Design: This project involved eight trainings at six juvenile justice facilities in Alaska (in Anchorage, Bethel, Juneau, Kenai, Nome, and Palmer). The trainings focused on increasing knowledge of and skills in using strength-based practices working with juvenile justice-involved youth. The 2-day workshops included interactive activities, a practice interview with a youth, and facilitated discussion to prepare for implementation of strength-based practices in each setting. Each site conducted the Correctional Institutions Environment Scale with staff and youth residents prior to the training and 6 months after the training, to measure changes in the social climate. Some facilities also measured changes in critical incidents (such as staff assaults, youth restraints, parent complaints, etc.).
Funding Source: Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Juvenile Justice
Start Date: October 2008
Project Team
Principal Investigator & Project Director
Reports and Publications:
Mackin, J. R., Linhares, R., & Weller, J. M. (Oct. 2009)
Strength-based Practices and Youth Competency Assessment Training and Research Project – Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice Youth Facilities 2008-2009: Final Report.
NPC Research: Portland, OR.
Report /
Barton, W. H., Mackin, J. R., & Fields, J. (2008) Assessing youth strengths in a residential juvenile correctional program. Residential Treatment for Children & Youth, 23(3/4).