Advancing the Four Core Competencies

A large body of research tells us that juvenile justice professionals must possess four core skills in order to facilitate long term offender behavior change and reduce recidivism risk.  The Four Core Competencies are; establishing a Professional Alliance, Case Planning, Skills Practice, and the effective use of Rewards and Sanctions.  The Four Core Competencies are an integral piece of the Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy.

Pennsylvania has made significant strides in building capacity to advance the Four Core Competencies.  This past fall, juvenile justice professionals from 21 Counties across the Commonwealth were trained to facilitate two separate Four Core Competencies curriculums (one for supervisors and one for line staff).  These “Peer Trainers” are now honing their expertise of the Four Core Competencies curriculums with the goal for training staff throughout the Commonwealth.

For more information on the Four Core Competencies and/or how to request support for training, please contact Leo J. Lutz, Director of Training and Graduate Education at the Center for Juvenile Justice Training and Research at (717) 477-1185 or LJLutz@ship.edu.