NCJ Number
85699
Date Published
1982
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This essay considers the importance of correctional goals, management goals in corrections, factors in self-correction, correctional discipline, management of the sexually deviant offender, and the design and use of an inmate government program.
Abstract
The ultimate goal of corrections should be changing offenders to become productive, responsible members of society, both while incarcerated and upon return to the community. Institutional management should be so designed as to facilitate the assumption of inmate responsibility, cooperation, and the use of a model for self-correction. There are several factors involved in self-correction after effective goal-setting practices are learned. Management of perception is one such factor and involves learning skills in objective self-assessment of progress towards goals and self-correction. After management of perception skills are developed, it is much more likely that the ability to interact effectively with others will follow. Next comes the effort to harmonize one's goals, attitudes, and efforts, followed by the development of patience to function effectively under stress. In the area of correctional discipline, an investigation should be made to determine the circumstances of the incident at issue, and should guilt be established and any punishment meted out should be designed to produce positive change in the individual involved. When dealing with sexually deviant offenders, treatment should focus on the social attitudes that produce the deviant behavior. The development of a resident government program can provide the opprtunity for inmates to assume significant responsibility for themselves and their communal life; however, the administration must retain the responsibility for establishing institutional policy. Five references are listed.