A determination of each state's mandatory entry level and continuing education requirements for juvenile probation officers and the establishment of basic competencies for these professionals

Abstract

This study was concerned with the essential competencies that juvenile probation officers need to possess in order to effectively discharge their duties. The research utilized the Delphi methodology in identifying both the entry level and experienced officer competencies. The panel of experts was composed of judges, administrators, trainers, and officers who were identified by elected board members from professional organizations. The panelists rated 97 competencies on their level of importance. The study contained three iterations to accomplish its task. The data indicated that there were 16 items that met the criteria to be considered as very important for entry level officers. Twenty-six items met the criteria to be rated as very important for experienced officers. This study was also concerned with the educational and professional requirements for juvenile probation officers throughout the country. Survey research was utilized to determine: (a) entry level academic and experience requirements for officers; (b) requirements for orientation training; (c) requisites for continuing training and education; (d) mandates for entry level competencies; and (e) mandates for experienced officer competencies. Juvenile probation administrators from all 50 states completed an instrument describing the state standards for the employment and training of officers. Administrators from 157 agencies completed the departmental instrument. The data indicated that there was a significant difference between the departments with state standards and those without state standards in several areas: (a) orientation training for entry level officers; (b) continuing education and training for experienced officers; and (c) entry level experience requirements. The data were analyzed to determine the level of compliance with the American Correctional Association's standards regarding the employment and training of juvenile probation officers. Forty-eight percent of the departments with state mandates complied with the national standards while 15% of the departments without requirements complied.