Perspectives on Treatment (From Psychology of Crime and Criminal Justice, P 269-286, 1979, Hans Toch, ed. -- See NCJ-118234)

• NCJ Number: 118245
• Author(s): H Toch
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: Waveland Press, Inc.
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter examines voluntary participation in treatment, differential treatment, who should be treated and where, and the why and wherefore of "treatment."

Abstract

Since treatment focuses on behavioral change, it can only be successful when the client is motivated to change, suggesting that treatment must be voluntary. People are encouraged to become involved in treatment as they begin to trust treatment staff. This is most likely to happen when treatment staff are not involved in the enforcement of behavioral controls. Studies have shown that attempts to provide a standard therapeutic environment for all offenders is not effective. Treatment tailored to the particular behavioral dynamics of individual offenders or offender types is crucial to success. When determining how treatment resources are to be allocated, the selection of those most amenable to treatment is the logical choice. The chapter's concluding section examines whether offender treatment programs are appropriate and ethically defensible. 7 notes, 28 references.