NCJ Number
72435
Date Published
1980
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The development of a network of resources to meet the variety of individual inmate needs--as opposed to overemphasis on one program or approach--in the New York State Department of Corrections is described.
Abstract
In recognition of diverse inmate needs, the corrections department has greatly expanded the number and variety of facilities available to inmates. The goal is to integrate these facilities by developing network programs for voluntary inmate participation at all three--maximum, medium, and minimum facility levels. Emphasis at the maximum security level will be on encouraging new behavior patterns by increasing awareness of peer relationships and attitudes toward authority. Medium security facilities will include prerelease assistance to inmates' family reintegration. Minimum security facilities will provide even more emphasis on family relationships, attitudes toward work, and peer relationships. Efforts will also be made to encourage parolees and released inmates to meet regularly for mutual support and to rely on other outside community resources such as churches and settlement houses. Special emphasis in the network program are self-confidence, family reintegration, involvement of correctional officers, and inmate responsibility for past, present, and future actions (i.e., program participation is not a link to special privileges). Though initially modest, the expectations of the network program are to eventually motivate many inmates toward attitudinal change and self-improvement.