Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Students participating in this course will study some of the more common techniques used in correctional casework settings including; reality therapy, confrontation therapy, social support, cognitive skills, behavior modification, substance abuse recovery, and other techniques. Students will achieve a sensitivity for special correctional clients, including those with ADHD, mental health, geriatric, and other needs. Students participating in the course will demonstrate skills in simulated counseling and casework situations; including the preparation of counseling progress notes and reports.

At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
(1) identify the differences between adult and juvenile casework processes,
(2) list the major correctional treatment modalities,
(3) describe the goals of corrections,
(4) describe the concept of correctional counseling,
(5) demonstrate the basic skills of interviewing,
(6) demonstrate how to establish a professional relationship with a client,
(7) identify the symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder),
(8) describe the impact of mental health correctional clients,
(9) identify the needs of geriatric correctional clients, and
(10) identify different listening and documentation skills used with offenders.

At the beginning of the course, the instructor will detail the methods used to assess student performance and progress, as well as the criteria for the student's final grade. Methods of assessment will include the following: examination, quizzes, an interview assignment report, research papers, class participation, oral presentations and demonstration of interviewing/counseling skills.

This course will address topics that include, but are not limited to:

• The Correctional Counseling Techniques Utilized By Modern Caseworkers
• The Role of Correctional Rehabilitative and Reintegration Programs
• The Proper Use Of Listening, Note Taking and Reporting Skills
• The Goals Of Corrections and Their Application
• The Application Of Treatment Modalities For Rehabilitation
• The Proper Use of Counseling Techniques For Corrections Clients
• The Programs That Help ADHD, Mental Health and Geriatric Clients
• The Use of Unique Counseling Techniques For Special Needs Clients
• The Use of Alternatives To Incarceration and Referral Techniques
• The Concept of Reintegration Within Corrections
• The Use of Prevention Programs For Suicide and Self-Destructive Behaviors