NCJ Number
103981
Date Published
1986
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews the history and operations of the South Wales Pontypridd Day Training Centre, followed by a report and analysis of clients' and staff's views of the center's effectiveness.
Abstract
Opened in July 1973, the Pontypridd Centre uses group work, individual counseling, instruction, videos, role play, simulations, films, and various exercises to help probationers develop social skills and solve personal problems. Four workshops help clients develop useful and interesting skills. The center's primary aims are to provide an alternative to imprisonment and help clients develop the skills needed to prevent recidivism. Center clients generally consist of recidivists who would have been imprisoned were it not for the option of the center. Thirty-eight clients interviewed about their views of the center commented positively about the center as an opportunity to develop relationships with other clients and discuss their problems with the staff. Clients often expressed disinterest in the group meetings, and some felt them to be irrelevant to helping them not to recidivate. Staff are concerned about the effectiveness of social work intervention at the center. Based on clients' comments, methods should be adjusted so as to address the clients' practical needs. This requires that staff listen to and act upon clients' views of their needs.