NCJ Number
132390
Journal
American Jails Volume: 4 Issue: 3 Dated: (September/October 1990) Pages: 50-54
Date Published
1990
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The Key program, a joint effort of the Delaware Department of Corrections and Correctional Medical Systems, was implemented at the Multipurpose Criminal Justice Facility at Gander Hill in 1988 to rehabilitate substance abusing inmates.
Abstract
The program, based on the rational authority role model, provides a positive, family environment where residents live and work together developing a sense of responsibility, caring, and cohesiveness. The staff represent the parents or rational authority figure. A chain of command must be followed in a disciplined, but nurturing setting. Three different strategies -- behavior, cognitive, and emotional therapy -- are implemented through techniques of transactional analysis in group and individual sessions, psychodrama, and branch groups. In addition to the therapies, the organization of the formal therapeutic community facilitates a prosocial force field. Both key staff and residents developed special programs to enhance activities, particularly resource centers and AIDS counseling. Self reported data on program efficacy indicates a positive response from participants. Plans are in progress to increase program capacity and to establish a transitional facility within the community.