Technical Assistance for Creating and Maintaining Quality Staff Training Programs


The Center for Research & Professional Development performs evaluations and studies. Clear, comprehensive reports provide objective analysis of current strengths, as well as recommendations corresponding to facility goals and resources.

Training Needs Assessments

Training is effective only if it addresses the actual functions of the job and buildson current performance levels of staff. Early on, the Center for Research & Professional Development recognized that each facility has unique training needs. For this reason, CRPD conducts Training Needs Assessments.

These standardized assessments provide insight into current job functions and performance, while improving staff attitudes and commitment to resulting training programs. CRPD gathers the data needed to identify priority areas to ensure that your agency's training dollars are used efficiently. Job functions analyzed include behavior management, safety, crisis intervention, custodial care, problem-solving, and many more.

Assessments are available for:

  • Detention Careworkers
  • Corrections Careworkers
  • Confinement Educators
  • Confinement Counselors

English and Spanish language instruments are available.

Training-for-Trainers

Staff training means improved effectiveness, reduced liability, and better staff morale. However, all agencies, particularly smaller or more isolated facilities, find it a struggle to keep shifts when staff go off-site for training. Many agencies have experienced cuts in their travel budgets. CRPD provides several services to help you turn your key staff into practiced presenters.

In addition to considerable presentation skills practice, participants receive instruction in:
  • training design and performance objectives
  • creating a learning environment
  • use of training aids and delivery strategies
  • group management
  • learning styles and adult learning theory
  • documentation, evaluation, and liability
  • extending learning into the workplace.

Line Staff Certification Programs

CRPD has expertise in developing certification programs which can increase staff performance and morale and reduce turnover. Certification programs establish a system to ensure that staff meet basic criteria for hiring and advancement, as well as to identify and recognize dedicated, competent, and ethical careworkers. Certification encourages the professionalism of the juvenile confinement field.

CRPD provides assistance in establishing guidelines on:

  • Education Requirements
  • Training Requirements
  • On-the-job Experience Requirements
  • Application Procedures
  • Re-Certification Procedures

CRPD also facilitates collaborations with community colleges in developing courses for credit that support juvenile confinement personnel needs.

A Range of Training Resources

Overviews and Conferences - We encourage current trainers to take advantage of CRPD curriculum overviews and training conferences such as the National Juvenile Services Training Institute (NJSTI) held annually in Indianapolis, Indiana to sharpen their skills.

Curricula - Trainers can use CRPD curricula as a foundation for their agency's training program or they can use individual modules to supplement an existing program. You can feel confident that the content for CRPD curricula meets both the Instructional Theory Into Practice (ITIP) model and current best practices in juvenile confinement. Lesson plans include well-researched content, meaningful discussion guidelines, and energizing practice activities.

Computer-Based Training can benefit smaller facilities with flexibility and economy. If your facility uses OJT, the PreService Online Training can provide a consistent structure to the program.