In this article, Boag and Wilson (2104) discuss the results of a study they completed which measured the degree of empathetic and prejudicial views of criminology students toward convicted prisoners, notably sex offenders and murderers. Study results showed that individuals who engaged with inmate study participants showed an increase in empathy towards the offenders and a decrease in prejudice toward them. This finding supports the authors’ hypothesis that engagement with others results in decreased prejudicial views toward them. The findings revealed in this article are significant because they substantiate the view that prejudice can be reduced by empathetic interaction with others. Regarding juvenile corrections work, these results indicate that individuals working with juvenile offenders can develop feelings of empathy toward their clients which will in turn facilitate more positive and productive interactions between the client and the worker. In addition, Boag’s and Wilson’s assertion that this research appears to be encouraging for further research regarding increasing tolerance and training opportunities for individuals who work with offenders and others is promising.
In this article, Creaney (2014) provides a review of the literature addressing the benefits of relationship-based practice in youth justice and stresses the importance of favoring effective youth-worker relationships over programs claiming to be as effective. The author also discusses the potential rewards of an empathetic relationship between these two groups in terms of reduced recidivism and improvement of the youth’s personal, social, and emotional standing. In addition, he offers his assertion that the interpersonal relationship between youth and the staff they encounter is critical in realizing successful youth intervention. Regarding juvenile corrections work, these findings are significant because they indicate the importance and potential magnitude of an empathetic relationship between juvenile justice workers and the youth they serve in terms of preventing future criminal activities and bettering the lives of youthful offenders.
In this article, Ekman (2014) discusses the results of a case study that examines, among other things, the empathy, professional quality of life, and burnout associated with human service settings. The author asserts her opinion that human service workers find themselves disproportionally involved in situations which call for an empathetic response because of their focus on clients who are struggling and suffering. In addition, Ekman offers the opinion that this disproportion occurs because of the intrinsic need for human service workers to emotionally engage with their clients while other professions discourage such emotional involvement. Central to this discussion is the idea that meaningful relationships with inmates can protect workers against job stress and contribute to worker job satisfaction while at the same time fostering an empathetic and meaningful relationship for the inmate. These findings are important to juvenile corrections workers because they demonstrate the high rates of stress sometimes associated with corrections work and offer the juvenile justice worker information regarding reduction of that stress which in turn leads to better job satisfaction and an empathetic relationship between the worker and the youth they work with.
In this article, Matthys (2017) examines corrective interventions designed for use in juvenile justice facilities to assist helping agents in improving the lives of youths placed in a correctional environment. Central to the discussion is the holding that concurrent detention and treatment can be beneficial in the management and goals of these individuals. In addition, the author offers recommendations for enhancing treatment in juvenile justice facilities through a variety of methods including victim education awareness; evidence has shown that victim education results in simultaneous increased levels of empathy and decreased recidivism rates. Finally, the author discusses the importance of the caregiver/juvenile relationship as it relates to success in the correctional setting and explains the benefits of authentic and continued empathetic interactions with incarcerated youth in building empathy and mutual understanding as researchers attempt to discover ‘what works for whom and under which condition’. Regarding juvenile corrections work, these findings are significant because they validate and expand on the claim that empathy is an important component of treating juveniles. We must be cognizant of the fact that the juvenile mind is still developing and is therefore highly receptive to incoming information, open to suggestions, and especially capable of developing an empathetic attitude toward others.
In this article, Matthews and Hubbard (2008) critically evaluate the shortcomings of traditional approaches to working with girls and examine the key obstacles that lead to ineffective programming for girls within the juvenile justice system. Additionally, the authors acknowledge the need for categorical programs that meet the unique needs of girls and offer a discussion on the benefits of strong emotional alliances between clients and correctional staff. The importance of and emphasis on an empathetic approach as it aids the helping agent in identifying the guiding feelings of the client to effectively connect with and treat the individual is also included. Finally, the authors discuss the need for approaches that recognize the unique needs associated with female offenders, including the need for empathy and acceptance, and discuss how these traits can be used to advance positive working conditions with girls by developing a practice that is useful in not only an institutional setting, but in a community-based context. These findings are important for juvenile corrections workers because they focus on the ever-growing female population in the corrections setting. As the number of incarcerated females increases, so does the need for programs tailored to the specific needs of these individuals.
