Measuring outcomes: The impact of a three-day mental health training on juvenile corrections officers day-to-day decision -making regarding the mentally ill youth in their care

Evaluating outcomes of clinical interventions has been a shortcoming of mental health professionals in all disciplines over the years. As more and more mental health providers venture out of hospitals and clinics into private practice and the world of consultation, creative solutions are required to accurately evaluate clinical interventions with limited resources. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a three-day mental health training improved juvenile corrections staff day-to-day decision making regarding mentally ill youth in their care. Secondary aims of the study were to examine the reliability and validity of the case study questionnaire used to evaluate decision-making.;The original questionnaire was developed by three clinicians from a university based collaborative project with the Washington State Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration. The instrument used case scenario questions with multiple response choices in an effort to evaluate skill development versus knowledge gain. The instrument was pilot tested in two trainings provided for 101 juvenile corrections staff. The instrument was revised using in-depth examination of item analysis principles. The revised instrument was administered in two trainings provided for 81 juvenile corrections staff. Content validity was established through the instrument development process and item analysis.;The results of the study indicated that juvenile corrections staff increased their day-to-day decision-making skills regarding mentally ill youth in their care as a result of the three-day mental health training. The study also provided ample evidence for the utility of case scenario questions as a measure of skill development. Observational research was recommended to measure application of the skill in the work setting and analysis of interviews with staff was recommended to refine definition of the construct of decision-making in this context.