Perf-Based Stds, Adult Corr. Inst. 5th ed March 2021

Part 5: Institutional Services

Counseling 5-ACI-5E-07 (Ref. 4-4433)

A planned, organized counseling program is provided by persons qualified by either formal education or training.

Comment : Employees assigned to full-time counselor positions should have suffi- cient training and experience to provide effective guidance to inmates. These full- time employees should work solely in the social service, social work, and counsel- ing specialties and do not include correctional officers and other staff who work closely with inmates and may provide informal counseling.

Protocols : Written policy and procedure.

Process Indicators : Documentation of program specifications. Credentials. Per- sonnel record.

5-ACI-5E-08 (Ref. 4-4434)

The institution has a formal mechanism to determine appropriate levels of social services staffing. The mechanism used to determine such staffing levels includes at a minimum:

• type of inmate population served • type of institution • legal requirements • goals to be accomplished

The institution’s use of a “team” approach and use of paraprofessionals, vol- unteers, and students also may influence the numbers of professional staff required. Comment : Social services programs can assist offenders with family and personal problems through supportive guidance and professional assistance. A counseling program that is coordinated with the overall facility rehabilitation program can be effective in resolving personal and interpersonal problems.

Protocols : Written policy and procedure. Staffing analysis.

Process Indicators : Staffing plan. Facility rosters. Staff interviews.

160 Adult Correctional Institutions, Fifth Edition