Abstract

This paper examines how frontline juvenile probation officers’ (POs’) perceptions of a risk/need assessment (RNA) evolved over the years following its introduction, and what subjective experiences shaped their adaptation. It does this by analyzing 86 qualitative interviews with POs conducted in five Pennsylvania counties several years after the introduction of the RNA. While line POs often experienced initial resistance to the RNA, views had tended to soften since, and they held a predominantly positive view of the tool at the time of the study. However, patterns of support and their change over time varied, with some line POs continuing to express resistant attitudes. Resistance to the tool during the period appeared anchored in concerns about workload, change, challenges to PO judgment, the tool’s legitimacy, and the tool’s purpose. Line POs’ acceptance of the RNA appeared related to its fit with their preexisting orientations, their recognition of the tool’s value through practice, a process of habituation, experiences of training, as well as pressure for compliance from managers and supervisors. Findings inform theory and guidance to future RNA implementation efforts.

摘要

本文探讨了引入后的几年中，前线青少年缓刑官（PO）对风险/需求评估（RNA）的看法是如何演变的，以及哪些主观经验影响了他们的适应能力。它通过分析引入RNA数年后在宾夕法尼亚州的五个县进行的86个PO的定性采访来完成。品系PO通常经常对RNA产生最初的抗药性，但此后人们的观点趋于软化，在研究之时，他们对该工具持主要积极态度。但是，支持的模式及其随时间的变化各不相同，一些生产线订单继续表达出抵制态度。在此期间，对该工具的抵制似乎是基于对工作量，更改，对PO判断的挑战，该工具的合法性和该工具的用途等方面的担忧。Line POs对RNA的接受程度与其适应于先前的方向，通过实践认识到工具的价值，习惯化的过程，培训的经验以及经理和主管的遵从压力有关。研究结果为将来的RNA实施工作提供了理论和指导。