NCJ Number
49727
Journal
Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare Volume: 3 Issue: 6 Dated: (JULY 1974) Pages: 656-671
Date Published
1976
Length
16 pages
Annotation
THE THRUST OF THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO THE FIELD OF CORRECTIONS IS REVIEWED, AND THE TRAINING REQUIRED FOR SOCIAL WORKERS TO IMPLEMENT SUCH PROGRAMS IS DISCUSSED.
Abstract
IT IS ARGUED THAT WHEN AN ATMOSPHERE CONDUCIVE TO THE TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS IS ESTABLISHED AND MADE NORMATIVE, THE LITERATURE REVEALS THAT CHANGES OCCUR IN INDIVIDUAL OFFENDERS AND RECIDIVISM RATES HAVE BEEN SUBSEQUENTLY REDUCED. THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITIES CAN AND SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED WHERE OFFENDERS CAN VOLUNTARILY EXPERIENCE A MILIEU WHERE ALL STAFF MEMBERS WORK COOPERATIVELY TO BRING ABOUT WHAT ARE CONSIDERED THE TWO MAJOR GOALS OF CORRECTIONS: THE PROTECTION OF SOCIETY FROM ITS DANGEROUS MEMBERS AND THE MODIFICATION OF BEHAVIOR SO THAT NO FURTHER ANTISOCIAL ACTS ARE COMMITTED. THE THERAPEUTIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE ROLES TO BE FULFILLED BY SOCIAL WORKER IN SUCH A THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY ARE DESCRIBED AND DISCUSSED. THE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL ACTION, AND PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP ARE ALSO CONSIDERED. IN ADDITION, A MODEL GRADUATE SCHOOL CURRICULUM FOR SOCIAL WORKERS IS PRESENTED, DIVIDED INTO THE BROAD CONTENT AREAS OF PRACTICE, HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT,AND ADMINISTRATION. REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (RCB)