Educating staff and volunteers at a therapeutic community for homeless persons with co-morbid disorders: support for therapeutic community curriculum.
In Autumn 2011, 12 participants at a newly-formed therapeutic community in western Canada completed 54 hours of Therapeutic Community Curriculum (TCC). Participants completed a shortened version of the Survey of Essential Elements Questionnaire (SEEQ) before and after the training (De Leon & Melnick, 1993b). A paired sample t-test of the SEEQ items revealed a moderate-strong effect size (Cohen's d = .68) and the positive effect of 11 items, at least 1 each from the 6 conceptual domains of the SEEQ. Following training, a focus group found that participants had a better understanding of TC theory and the concepts and believed training would help them in their roles in the community. However, some volunteers felt overwhelmed by the amount of detail covered during training and both staff and volunteers suggested that the experiential exercises could be enhanced.
School of Peace and Conflict Management, Royal Roads University Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Michael.young@royalroads.ca
Michael G
MG
Young
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001955:British Columbia; D015897:Comorbidity; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012112:Residential Facilities; D013808:Therapeutic Community; D014838:Volunteers / Q000193:education*