The Psychiatrist in the Institution

Abstract

The introduction of mental health services into a juvenile correctional facility should be conducted by a well-trained child psychiatrist with personal qualities that will enable him to get actively involved in a dynamic correctional program. He should have a series of preliminary discussions with the institutional administration to clarify mutual expectations and to dispel mis conceptions and apprehensions on the part of the administra tion, the institution staff, and the pyschiatrist. Other matters to be covered in initial meetings are the psychiatrist's contract concerning hours, salary, lines of communication, role, and function. While the psychiatrist will be called upon to diagnose, treat, and commit certain cases, there seems to be a growing demand for him to function as consultant and educator.