NCJ Number
77223
Journal
Social Defence Volume: 15 Issue: 60 Dated: (April 1980) Pages: 43-47
Date Published
1980
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The cost effectiveness of beggars' homes, children's homes, and aftercare homes in Gujarat, India, was examined.
Abstract
Included in the study were three beggars' homes, two aftercare homes (State homes for women), two certified schools, and two Vikas Grihas (voluntary support homes). The study aimed to gauge the cost-benefit relationships; to examine the relevance of the institutions' activities to postrelease employment opportunities; and to determine if public funds could be reduced without harming institutional objectives. The results showed that all of the institutions had punitive and rehabilitative objectives. In beggars' homes, rehabilitation efforts aimed at economic rehabiltation through job training; in aftercare homes, at social rehabilitation, followed by physical, psychological, and economic rehabilitation; and in the children's homes, at education as a major element in economic rehabilitation. The objectives of the Vikas Grihas were similar to those of their aftercare and children's-home counterparts. In all cases, administrative expenses claimed 50 to 73 percent of the total expenditures, and salaries for craft instructors were extremely low. While the budgets of the public institutions have increased, these facilities could handle a decreasing number of inmates. Training activities were generally on such an elementary level that trainees failed to get jobs on their release, and postrelease assistance was nominal. In addition, a high escape figure indicated in each case that insufficient attention had been given to custodial requirements. The voluntary agencies differed only in that per-inmate expenditures were higher. It is recommended that the numbers of craft instructors be increased; that children and beggars be trained in skills that could provide their homes with revenues; and that government industries become involved in training programs. Other findings and recommendations are included. References or footnotes are not provided.