NCJ Number
76169
Date Published
1980
Length
60 pages
Annotation
The claim by some of the 'nothing works' proponents that deterrence offers more potential than the failed treatment model for the rehabilitation of offenders is critically examined in this Canadian report.
Abstract
Recent treatment and deterrence literatures are compared on the dimensions of reductions in criminal behavior, cost effectiveness, and methodological rigor. The available evidence indicates that the treatment literature is more potent in each dimension. The fact that social service agencies have not adopted and routinely implemented some of the successful intervention programs that have been documented in the past is not a condemnation of the treatment philosophy. Instead, it is evidence of the fact that the United States is not the experimenting society it claims to be. A vigorous continuance of treatment research along the lines of some of the current studies attesting to fruitful intervention is called for, particularly in the areas of the treatment of young offenders in community settings, of diversion-related programs, and of probation and parole. Once such research has shown a treatment concept to be effective, attention must be paid to how best to implement a program into the mainstream of social service delivery. It is also suggested that future deterrence research should incorporate perspectives from psychology and punishment theory and should use quasi-experimental designs. Finally, the methods and conceptualizations underlying treatment and deterrence are not considered to be as disparate as they might appear. A more thorough interaction of both directions could result in more effective practices for the prevention of criminal behavior. Approximately 195 references and 11 footnotes are included. (Author abstract modified)