Staff turnover in juvenile correctional facilities is a persistent and costly challenge that threatens the stability and effectiveness of youth justice systems nationwide. High attrition disrupts programming, weakens staff-youth relationships, and increases burnout among remaining personnel. This presentation investigates the organizational and contextual drivers of turnover, with a focus on the impact of aggregate youth risk levels, physical restraints, and critical incidents. Using monthly administrative data from nine juvenile residential programs in Florida, the study analyzes how fluctuations in incidents such as assaults, contraband, and injuries predict staff departures. Findings highlight key stressors facing frontline staff and offer practical implications for improving workforce stability through revised staffing models, targeted support, and risk-informed facility management.
Moderated by Kevin Wright, Co-chair, Research and Development Network, ICPA, United States
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Dr. Kevin Wolff
Associate Professor, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, United States
Kevin T. Wolff is an associate professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. He earned his PhD from the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida State University. Professor Wolff’s research interests include childhood maltreatment, alternatives to incarceration, dynamic risk assessment, program evaluation, and quantitative research methods. Recent research projects on the importance of treatment matching and reducing dynamic risk among juvenile justice involved youth have been funded by the National Institute of Justice. In recognition of his contribution to the discipline, Dr. Wolff received The Feliks Gross Award from The City University of New York and the Tory J. Caeti Memorial Award from The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
