M5 - Learner Manual
2. Institutional Settings
There are a number of different institutional settings where conflict situations may arise. It is important to be aware of these different contexts and what laws or rules may apply depending on the work environment a person is in. For the purposes of this unit we are looking at the following institutional settings:-
1. Detention Centres
2. Correctional Centres or Prisons
3. Judicial Administration Offices
4. Work sites where detainees, prisoners or offenders are under Statutory Supervision
In each of these situations different laws and policies will dictate how employees need to conduct themselves, what their responsibilities are and how conflict situations should be managed through negotiation.
In each context people work in different jobs as part of the broader institutional setting. For example,
1. Detention Centres: There are custodial officials, office administrators, cleaners and cooks. There are also social workers, health professionals, doctors, psychologists, torture and trauma counsellors who all visit the detention centres. Lawyers and legal representatives can also visit.
2. Correctional Centres or Prisons: There are custodial officials, office administrators, cleaners and cooks. There are also social workers, health professionals, doctors, psychologists, torture and trauma counsellors who all visit the detention centres. Lawyers and legal representatives can also visit.
3. Judicial Administration Offices: This term refers to the different court offices. There are the officers of the court such as a Magistrate or a Judge. There are also administrative staff and Bailiffs. Clients, support staff and lawyers attend these offices.
4. Work sites: This refers to situations where detainees, prisoners or offenders are under Statutory Supervision. For example they may be on ‘work release’ from prison or completing Community Service Hours as part of a court order. Here we have the supervising persons responsible for supervising the person whilst they are working.
In each of these settings conflict situations can and do arise. It is really important that anyone working in these settings has a good understanding of what a conflict situation is and how to deal with it if one arises. It is particularly important to be aware of using negotiation as an effective tool for managing a conflict situation.
Why is this important?
When we are at work it is really important that we understand that conflict situations can arise and ensure we are well equipped to deal with them. Managing conflict is an important part of life.
A. If you are working in a position on one of these institutional settings then you need to be aware of your responsibilities and the different processes for dealing with a conflict situation. For example, a detainee may become aggressive toward you and you will need to take steps to de-escalate the situation.
B. If you work in a legal organisation as a legal clerk or a support worker you may have a client who tells you about a conflict situation that has arisen for them. You will need to know about the policies and processes that exist so you can help your client and assist them in advocating their rights. For example, your client may have a grievance in relation to a policy or procedure. You may need to advocate on their behalf for a review of a decision.