Effectiveness of Written Materials in a Rehabilitative Program for Female Offenders: A Case Study at the Montana Women's Prison

• NCJ Number: 233006
• Journal: Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 61 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2010 Pages: 335-350
• Author(s): Laura Dillon, M.S., M.Ed.; Kyle Colling, Ph.D.
• Date Published: December 2010
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the relationship between the reading levels of prison inmates and the reading level of the Therapeutic Community Handbook used at the Montana Women's Prison.

Abstract

This case study of the Therapeutic Community Program at Montana Women's Prison Investigates the relationship between inmate reading levels and the self-help materials used for rehabilitative purposes within prison settings. The Therapeutic Community Handbook, published by the Montana Department of Corrections, is used as the primary method of teaching rehabilitative concepts, program goals and facility regulations to female inmates serving time at Montana Women's Prison. An analysis of Handbook readability statistics is compared to overall trends in prisoner literacy. Implications for inmate comprehension are discussed along with recommendations for improving program efficacy at Montana Women's Prison and similar therapeutic programs. (Published Abstract)