NCJ Number
69956
Date Published
1974
Length
22 pages
Annotation
The psychiatric treatment unit at the District of Columbia Department of Corrections' Lorton correctional institution is evaluated for October 1973 through April 1974.
Abstract
The unit provided in- and out-patient psychiatric care on a daily basis, 24 hours a day. Of the 85 inmates who were treated, 5 to 11 inmates a month received in-patient care. All patients received individual and group psychotherapy, and drug therapy. Groups of 10 to 12 inmates participated in free-interaction sessions, which employed the techniques of W.R. Bion, 5 days a week. Although participation was voluntary, 84 percent of the inmates remained with their groups until the program terminated. The unit's goals and achievements included developing more systematic methods of identifying and evaluating the emotionally disturbed. Besides using initial, written tests, unit staff accepted referrals from institution staff and inmates as well as self-referrals. Psychiatric services were provided so as to improve modes of functioning and to render inmates more capable of benefiting from training programs. Psychiatric and psychological services were strengthened through a central facility for diagnoses and treatment. Necessary treatment climate and resources for the care and psychotherapy of referred inmates were provided. A separate facility provided the proper climate; and personnel, drugs, and general materials were adequately supplied. The effectiveness of an internal residential treatment center was studied to determine the performance, administrative, and service requirements for future expansion. A copy of the inmates' petition for the unit's continuation is included; footnotes or references are not provided.