“I was the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court in Ventura County from November, 1999 through January, 2006. During that time period I had the opportunity to work with several outstanding probation officers, with Ms. Donna McDermott being one of the most outstanding. It only takes a few minutes with [her] to recognize her intelligence, enthusiasm, dedication, and her love for her work. She employs the admirable probation combination of firm structure and compassionate caring. In her efforts to secure the best outcome for her clients, she is also not hesitant to be innovative. One example of her innovative approach is seen in a program which she designed and which has been adopted for use by the Ventura County Probation Agency: the Compass Program.

 

This program incorporates a recognition of much of what is often overlooked with the juvenile delinquency population: these kids are just that, kids; they are in desperate need of a structure in which they can follow the rules and excel at the same time; as with almost all humans, they need a program in which they can be appropriately rewarded for their successes; and they need guidance which calls for accountability and which gives them the ability to know what expectations they must develop in order to become productive components in a community. The Compass Program addresses all these issues and assists the young people in the appropriate development of good character.

 

I don’t make these claims in the abstract; I make them after having seen the results of young people thriving in the Compass Program. I have observed the results in the courtroom, I have had the opportunity to speak directly with the kids in the program, and I have happily heard of many success stories after they have completed the Compass Program and left the detention center.” Judge Brian Back

 

Effective Behavior Modification Programs in Juvenile Institutions:

We can help you build a positive institutional culture, one that is focused on success, not violence. Island Consulting offers practical knowledge regarding implementation, design, and management of behavior modification programs in institutions.

 

Behavior modification models have been used with great success in many venues.  The beauty of our model is its simplicity.  In 2004, Ms. McDermott designed, implemented and managed the successful Compass/Men of Honor Behavior Modification Program for the Ventura County Probation Agency’s Boy's Commitment Program. 

 

When she left the Agency two years later, 92% of the wards/minors were successfully navigating and graduating from the Program.  Of those who graduated, 75% found success in the community. Ms. McDermott looks at the system as a whole when examining violence in the institutional setting.   

• The implementation was straight-forward and uncomplicated. 
• On-going management of the program can be done with ease. 
• Its design insures consistency and reliability. 
• Outcomes are remarkable. 
• Minors and staff understand the model and can follow guidelines with ease. 
• Results are immediate. 
• Payoffs for staff, wards, and other stakeholders are tremendous.

The Compass/Men of Honor Program decreased violence in one unit by 80%.and increased offender motivation to succeed while in custody.  Recidivism rates were 25% one year later, significantly lower than the national average. Staff morale increased and workloads were more managable.  Since staff energy was not expended managing violent behavior, they were free to provide more counseling and programming to wards. 

 

"Prior to the implementation of the program, we spent all our time   breaking up fights.  Now, we are in control and can spend our time interacting with the minors in a positive manner." -Corrections Officer

 

Wards overwhelmingly reported that the program was easy to navigate and they appreciated the ability to "get a pay off" for doing well.   Injuries to minors and staff decreased while providing an environment that mirrors the behavioral model we want the minors to use when released from our institutions.  The skills minors built were immediately applicable and provided an amazing pro-social model for behavior.

 

Where to Start:

 

Our leading consultant and trainer is Donna McDermott. Let us bring her experience to your organization and help you design and implement a new program. Share your ideas with us and together we can turn them into reality. 

 

To request an Executive Summary Power Point Presentation that further explains the highly successful Compass Program and program outcomes including testimonials of staff, minors/wards and teachers, use the form below and we will mail the information to you within two working days.