The greatest occupational hazard to people working with criminals [counselors, social workers, and parole agents] is not physical attack. More serious is a rapid burnout of enthusiasm, commitment, and interest. Mention the word "burnout" to people in corrections, and they will solemnly nod. Increasing numbers of idealistic, genuinely concerned young Americans are entering corrections, eager to do a good job. Almost immediately, they confront a huge array of obstacles for which they are poorly prepared. Despite the fact that their clients are difficult people, they [the social workers] think they are expected to accomplish what parents, teachers, employers, clergymen, and others failed at for years.
Dr. Stanton E. Sanenow, Inside the Criminal Mind, 1984
Dr. Stanton E. Sanenow, Inside the Criminal Mind, 1984
Maybe they should direct their "enthusiasm, commitment and interest" towards the victims of criminals.
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