NCJ Number
167788
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 58 Issue: 5 Dated: (August 1996) Pages: 74,76-78
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The LASER (Life, Attitude, Skills, Educational Retraining) project in the Dauphin County Prison (Pennsylvania), a new and innovative 13-week intensive program, is designed to change criminal behavior by modifying lifestyle patterns.
Abstract
The unique aspect of this program is the treatment of the "whole" person and, upon graduation, the continual reinforcement of skills through support groups while incarcerated, on parole, or on release. The LASER Life Skills Curriculum includes units on self-development, stress and anger management, drug and alcohol awareness, interpersonal and family relationships, and electives. The LASER Vocational Curriculum includes topics such as job- search skills, employment preparation, the exploration of career choices, and the development of computer skills. By the end of the vocational program, each student has written a professional resume. Participants live in a 58-bed cell block designated for LASER students and graduates. LASER is available to most male inmates who are interested in the program or are recommended by prison treatment staff. Early results from an evaluation in process show that the recidivism rate for LASER participants is 61 percent, significantly less than the 82 percent for the control group and the 78 percent for the Dauphin County Prison population. LASER graduates also commit fewer in-house disciplinary infractions, show increased self-esteem, and maintain higher educational levels.