Readiness Score

Are You Ready to Work in Juvenile Justice?

I’m considering a career in juvenile justice

I’ve worked in the field for less than one year

I’ve worked in the field for more than one year

Insult them back so they know I’m not weak

Immediately give the strongest consequence available

Remain calm, address the behavior, restate expectations, and follow policy

Ignore every instance because they’re only trying to get a reaction

A young person insults you in front of the entire unit. What is your most likely response?

Promise to keep it private so I don’t lose their trust

Explain the limits of confidentiality and follow reporting requirements

Tell other residents so everyone can help

Immediately end the conversation without listening

A young person tells you that you’re the only staff member they trust and asks you to keep something secret. What do you do?

Allow it because another staff member does

Verify the policy, explain the expectation, and respond consistently

Let it happen this time but warn them not to ask again

A young person asks you for something another staff member usually permits, but the request appears to violate policy. What do you do?

I understand the risk and would rely on training, situational awareness, teamwork, safety procedures, and appropriate support

If a young person assaults me, I would respond the same way I would on the street

I don’t think it would happen to me if the youth like and respect me

I understand the risk, but I need more information about training and staff support before deciding

Juvenile justice work can include the possibility of being threatened, spit on, or physically assaulted. Which statement best reflects your mindset?

My opinion about which young person is a bad influence

Only the final outcome because everyone already knows what happened

Objective observations, relevant actions, statements, and an accurate timeline

The same wording another staff member used

After a serious incident, what should an effective written report include?

Follow their advice because they have more experience

Argue with them in front of the young people

Confirm the correct procedure through policy or appropriate supervision

Say nothing and avoid working with them again

A veteran employee advises you to ignore a procedure because “we don’t do it that way here.” What do you do?

I should remain distant and never show concern

I can build trust while maintaining clear professional boundaries

Youth must like me before they will respect me

Which statement best describes an effective relationship with detained youth?

Become defensive because they weren’t in my position

Listen, ask questions, and identify what I can do differently

Agree during the conversation but ignore the feedback later

A supervisor tells you that your response during an incident could have been better. How do you respond?

Continue confronting them so they don’t think they won

Recognize my emotional state, use appropriate support, and remain professional

Threaten consequences that aren’t supported by policy

Stop enforcing expectations for the remainder of the shift

You notice that a young person’s behavior is making you angry. What is the strongest response?

My primary job is to control young people

If I care enough, policies and boundaries are less important

My role includes safety, accountability, consistency, and opportunities for growth

I mainly want a stable paycheck and don’t expect the work to affect me