NCJ Number
51225
Date Published
1975
Length
35 pages
Annotation
THE FIRST PORTION OF THIS REPORT DISCUSSES THE CHANGES IN STAFF ATTITUDES AND THERAPY GROUP CONDUCT CAUSED BY LARGE INFLUX OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLIENTS; THE SECOND GIVES THE STAFF ATTITUDE SURVEY DATA.
Abstract
EAGLEVILLE HOSPITAL AND REHABILITATION CENTER, NEAR PHILADELPHIA, PA., IS A PRIMARILY NONCRIMINAL JUSTICE THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY TREATING ALCOHOLICS AND DRUG ADDICTS. IN 1973 LARGE NUMBERS OF CLIENTS SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ARRIVE DIRECTLY FROM PRISONS OR THROUGH PROBATION OR PAROLE OFFICE REFERRALS. THIS ARTICLE DISCUSSES THE CHANGES WHICH OCCURED IN STAFF ATTITUDE, IN THERAPY GROUPS, THE FEELINGS OF 'CIVILIAN' PATIENTS, AND THE PAPERWORK PROBLEMS IMPOSED BY CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCY DEMANDS. GREATEST PROBLEMS OCCURRED WHEN INMATES WENT DIRECTLY FROM PRISON TO HOSPITAL WITH NO INTERVENING 'STREET TIME.' TROUBLES ALSO OCCURRED WHEN A NUMBER OF INMATES FROM THE SAME INSTITUTION ARRIVED AT THE SAME TIME OR WHEN A PERSON HAD AN OPEN COURT CASE SCHEDULED. GROUPS OF INMATES ATTEMPTED TO CONTROL THE THERAPY GROUPS, UNDERMINE TREATMENT, AND TURNED THE ATMOSPHERE FROM ONE OF OPENNESS TO ONE OF SECRECY, SIMILAR TO THE 'PRISON EHTIC.' EX-OFFENDERS WHO WERE HOSTILE TO THE HOSPITAL ALSO ENGAGED IN PETTY LARCENY. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE NUMBER OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLIENTS ACCEPTED AT ANY ONE TIME BE LIMITED AND THAT THE CONDITIONS OF ADMISSION BE WORKED OUT. THE SECOND SECTION GIVES THE STAFF ATTITUDE SURVEY ON WHICH THIS PAPER IS BASED, A COMPARISON OF OUTCOMES OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE VERSUS 'CIVILIAN' CLIENTS, AND DISCUSSES SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED. IT WAS FOUND THAT CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLIENTS STAYED AS LONG OR LONGER THAN OTHERS AND THEIR OUTCOMES WERE SIMILAR. (GLR)