NCJ Number
42392
Journal
Corrective and Social Psychiatry and Journal of Behavior Technology, Methods and Therapy Volume: 23 Issue: 2 Dated: (1977) Pages: 48-52
Date Published
1977
Length
5 pages
Annotation
THIS RESEARCH DOCUMENTS A SPECIFIC COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROGRAM FOR HIGH RISK OFFENDERS, EVALUATES THE IN-PROGRAM EFFECTS ON ITS CLIENTS, AND ATTEMPTS TO DISCOVER THE CLIENT CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH PROGRAM SUCCESS.
Abstract
THE MAGDALA FOUNDATION IS A PRIVATE COMMUNITY-BASED CORRECTIONAL AGENCY IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, DESIGNED TO REHABILITATE HIGH RISK OFFENDERS. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES SMALL, INTENSE RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENTS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. A LOW STAFF-TO-CLIENT RATIO IS MAINTAINED, AND INCENTIVES ARE PROVIDED FOR VOCATIONAL, SOCIAL, AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT. METHODS USED INCLUDE BEHAVIORAL CONTRACTS, A TOKEN ECONOMY, A LEVELS SYSTEM, AND POINT CONTINGENCY CONTRACTS. EMPHASIS OF THE PROGRAM IS ON FOSTERING AND MAINTAINING CONSTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR AND EMPLOYMENT IN CLIENTS. THE PROGRAM WAS FOUND TO HAVE HELPED 25 TO 60 PERCENT OF ITS CLIENTS AND TO HAVE FAILED WITH AT LEAST 35 PERCENT OF ITS RESIDENTS. THE PROGRAM WAS ALSO FOUND TO HAVE A DIFFERENTIAL IMPACT ON ITS CLIENTS. BASED ON THIS IT IS CONCLUDED THAT A TOKEN ECONOMY BENEFITS ONLY CERTAIN TYPES OF HIGH RISK OFFENDERS. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DETERMINANTS OF PROGRAM SUCCESS WAS A HISTORY OF SUCCESS WITH SIMILAR SOCIETAL DEMANDS IN THE PAST. A NUMBER OF FACTORS RELATED TO AGE, INTELLIGENCE, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH WERE ALSO EXAMINED AND WERE FOUND TO HAVE AN IMPACT ON PROGRAM SUCCESS....DMC