PbS measures and monitors facility practices by collecting and reporting data from administrative records and survey responses from youths, staff and families to provide a holistic picture of the conditions and quality of life in residential facilities, highlights the practices that are effective in promoting youths’ healthy maturation and identifies those that are not. PbS data is reported every April and October. PbS trains staff to use the information to change practices and support reforms implementing the adolescent development approach.
Maricopa County Juvenile Detention Center- Durango Named Finalist for the 2019 Barbara Allen-Hagen Award
Performance-based Standards (PbS) is very pleased to announce Maricopa County Juvenile Detention Center- Durango in Phoenix, AZ as one of the finalists for the 2019 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award in the detention category. Maricopa was selected as a finalist for their comprehensive plan to reduce staff fear for safety.
The purpose of the site’s Facility Improvement Plan was to reduce the percentage of staff who had concerns for their safety. In October 2017, 56% of staff reported concerns for their safety. In the October 2018 data collection, the percentage decreased to 43%, and during the April 2019 data collection, they accomplished their short-term goal by achieving a 19% decrease since the first data collection.
To achieve this goal, they modified their onboarding process and training to help retain new staff; implemented Mandt training to offer different relationship building and de-escalation skills to staff; worked to modify their behavior management system to better meet the needs of the youth; and, included line staff in Special Treatment Planning meetings, using their feedback to align facility plans to meet the youth’s needs. Additionally, they implemented Safety Walks, and invited line staff to participate in the process with the Safety Manager to identify areas for improvement and base improvements in daily practices on their feedback. The management team has also increased their presence on the floor to assist with unit issues, emergency situations, and to show support for staff. Finally, the communication with staff has also been enhanced by having two shift meetings per month for all three shifts.
The PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award was established in 2007 to honor Barbara Allen-Hagen and her retirement from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). Her dedication to improving the quality of life in facilities for young offenders has helped drive PbS to its current success. The award is given to a correction, detention/assessment and community program who best exemplify PbS’ commitment to treating all youths in custody as one of our own by developing and implementing strategic plans to change practices that results in positive outcomes for youths, staff and families.
Winners of the award will be announced the night of the ceremony on Aug. 2, 2019. Stay tuned for more blogs about the 2019 finalists.
Youth volleyball game
PbS team at Maricopa
About the author
PbS has been a partner in assisting this facility to become a dynamic work environment that is not satisfied with maintaining the status quo.