NCJ Number
45358
Journal
Revue penitentiaire et de droit penal Volume: 101 Issue: 3 Dated: (JULY-SEPTEMBER 1977) Pages: 425-431
Date Published
1977
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE EVOLUTION OF PSYCHIATRIC INTERVENTION WITH A DESCRIPTION OF GROUP ACTIVITIES SHOWS HOW THE PROGRAM DECREASED THE INCIDENCE OF SELF-ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR AMONG SUICIDAL INMATES.
Abstract
IN 1960, ALTHOUGH A PSYCHIATRIC ANNEX EXISTED AT SANTE PRISON IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE FRENCH PENAL CODE, THE FUNCTION OF PSYCHIATRISTS WAS NOT RECOGNIZED. LATER THE ROLE OF PSYCHIATRIC INTERVENTION BECAME PRIMARILY CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC IN NATURE. PSYCHIATRISTS ADMINISTERED DRUGS TO MODIFY THE BEHAVIOR OF DISORDERLY INMATES. EVENTUALLY, PSYCHOTHERAPY REPLACED DRUG THERAPY AS A MEANS OF HELPING INMATES WHO HAD DIFFICULTY IN ADJUSTING TO DETENTION AND WHO HAD OTHER INTERPERSONAL PROBLEMS. GROUP ACTIVITIES WERE INTRODUCED IN 1975 TO PROVIDE INMATES WITH A MEANS OF VERBAL AND PHYSICAL EXPRESSION. THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED PAINTING, POTTERY, MUSIC MAKING, AND PARTICIPATION IN WEEKLY GROUP DISCUSSIONS ON A SPECIFIC THEME. PARTICIPATION WAS VOLUNTARY. PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS DONATED MOST OF THE FUNDS REQUIRED; THE BALANCE CAME FROM THE FACILITY'S ADMINISTRATION. FUNDS COVERED AN EQUIPMENT AND OPERATIONS BUDGET. THE ADMINISTRATION ALSO PROVIDED AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS AND HIRED PART-TIME WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS. GUEST SPEAKERS FROM OUTSIDE THE INSTITUTION WERE RECRUITED FOR DISCUSSION GROUPS. THE SECURITY STAFF HAD DIFFICULTY IN PARTICIPATING IN GROUP ACTIVITIES AND FELT UNCOMFORTABLE WHEN FUNCTIONING OUTSIDE THEIR CUSTODIAL ROLES. STAFF MEETINGS WERE HELD TO DEVELOP STAFF SKILLS IN VERBAL EXPRESSION AND TO PROVIDE PRACTICAL INFORMATION AND INFORMATION REGARDING CRIMINAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY. AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GROUP ACTIVITIES, THE REPORTED PERCENTAGES OF SELF-ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR DECREASED FROM 14.5 PERCENT TO 6.60 PERCENT, AND THE PERCENTAGE OF REPORTED SUICIDES DECREASED FROM 1.73 PERCENT TO ZERO PERCENT. --IN FRENCH. (MGH)