NCJ Number
174826
Date Published
1995
Length
17 pages
Annotation
The LASER (Life, Attitude, Skills, Education, and Retraining) program at the Dauphin County Prison in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, requires male inmates to follow an intense life skills class schedule and offers them optional additional classes and homework.
Abstract
The LASER curriculum is comprised of a broad variety of life skills to meet individual needs. Life skills classes involve 220 hours over an 11-week period and focus on self-development, stress and anger management, drug and alcohol awareness, interpersonal and family relationships, and vocational training. The program offers classes in such areas as computer literacy, relaxation techniques, banking and budgeting, taxes and credit, creative writing, and conflict resolution and includes guest speakers. The program served 444 participants in 1994 and 1995. Graduation rates by program cycle varied between 60 and 70 percent. Some participants were dismissed from the program, while others were not able to complete the program due to being released from prison. Tables