NCJ Number
77500
Journal
Journal of the Pennsylvania Association on Probation Parole and Correction Volume: 31 Dated: (Autumn 1974) Pages: 18-25
Date Published
1974
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A correctional intern program for doctoral students in psychology is described.
Abstract
In cooperation with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corrections, the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia established a year-long intern program which involved students working 2 days a week at a State correctional institution. Each student is expected to do one complete psychological assessment battery per week. Each is carrying several long-term treatment cases in individual psychotherapy and some short-term crisis-oriented therapy cases. All are engaged in leading weekly group therapy. The students also help staff psychologists in interpreting the test batteries they give and otherwise engage in informal staff training activities. During the fall semester a seminar in correctional psychology is taught to all of the doctoral students. About 6 weeks is devoted to the sociology of corrections, and then attention is given to the study of individuals with character and impulse disorders -- the category of those who make up a large portion of the population of State correctional facilities. In considering the treatment of such persons, the focus is upon reality-oriented individual and group treatment. Course material also covers the etiology and treatment of sex offenders. There is a strong orientation toward correctional institutions being complete therapeutic environments, with all personnel being trained to work together toward therapeutic goals. The term paper consists of each student developing a model treatment program for a correctional facility type chosen by the student. By 1973, the success of the program was so obvious that it merited expansion. It is expected that linkages between the doctoral program and the correctional bureau will broaden. Endnotes are provided.