NCJ Number
148296
Date Published
1992
Length
101 pages
Annotation
A Canadian program providing counseling and full pastoral care for ex-offenders and their families was evaluated with respect to participants' views of its effectiveness, particularly in relation to domestic assault and related recidivism.
Abstract
The Community Ministry with Ex-Offenders (CMEO) program served approximately 75 families in 1990. The evaluation revealed that 81 percent had reported domestic violence and that family violence was linked with other issues needing simultaneous attention. These included lack of trust, anger, isolation, poor self-esteem, drug abuse, and poverty. Interviews with participants revealed strong support for CMEO's holistic, family-oriented approach. The time spent in informal individual or marital counseling was the most effective initially. The drop-in quality of the center facilitated this counseling. The 24-hour telephone availability was equally important. Participants recommended more staff a more suitable facility open more hours, and more participant involvement in programs and decisionmaking. In response to participant needs, CMEO is evolving into a complex intervention program with seven phases. Lists of specific recommendations and participant comments, tables, and program materials