NCJ Number
83380
Date Published
1982
Length
57 pages
Annotation
Eight papers by corrections professionals discuss issues bearing on the effectiveness of corrections in 'treating' offenders.
Abstract
The first paper argues that punishment as the sole means of dealing with offenders has a long history that shows its ineffectiveness in eliminating or reducing crime; on the other hand, while the treatment approach in corrections has yet to show its general success in reducing recidivism, it is in its early stages of evolution and must be given the opportunity and resources to develop toward higher levels of effectiveness. Ways treatment is not a failure are considered in another paper, in which it is maintained that the humane and rational efforts of treatment professionals have made differences in the lives of offenders that would not have otherwise occurred. Results are reported from a survey of participants in the criminal justice system, in which they were asked what is wrong with the system, why the system has failed, and what would alleviate the problem. Respondents agree that the system has failed. Another paper maintains that treatment is a complicated process that is in its infancy, such that it cannot be judged by standards that should be withheld until treatment reaches a more highly evolved state. One presentation contends that treatment as envisioned by innovative and advanced concepts has yet to be tried in correctional settings, particularly prisons, so the concept of treatment itself cannot be deemed a failure in the absence of sufficient effort to implement it. The remaining papers cover a process for effective counseling in a correctional setting, the integration of deterrence and rehabilitation, redefining treatment in probation, and recommendations for improvement in the delivery and the measurement of treatment services in corrections and probation. Bibliographies and footnotes accompany most of the papers.