Examining climate and effectiveness of youth correctional facilities from male youth offenders’ perspectives

Abstract

Since the 1960s, the focus of close-custody facilities for youths has shifted from corrections and punishments to rehabilitation and treatment. Juvenile close-custody facilities need to be examined to ensure youths are being offered effective services in an environment that encourages growth and rehabilitation. In the present study, responses on a survey administered in 2012 and 2013 to male youths residing in one of Oregon Youth Authority’s close-custody facilities were examined to identify characteristics of unit climate that were associated with effective and ineffective units from the youths’ perspectives. Using a multilevel model approach, the best predictors of youths’ perceptions of growth and effectiveness were activity, structure, and support.