NCJ Number
106059
Journal
Social Defence Volume: 21 Issue: 82 Dated: (October 1985) Pages: 25-41
Date Published
1985
Length
17 pages
Annotation
It is now recognized that criminals must be treated and rehabilitated as well as punished, and it may be possible to use the techniques and goals of social work in correctional settings.
Abstract
Professional social work tries to restore impaired capacity, provide individual and social resources, and prevent social dysfunction. Social workers have the difficulty of dealing with clients among criminals who do not wish to participate in their rehabilitation. However, as it is an enabling process, social work can be applied to any setting. Workers can use casework techniques in probation and parole. Social workers, who are not truly accepted in correctional institutions, need extra training in knowledge of criminal behavior and acceptance of the deviant without condoning antisocial activities, as well as readiness to work experimentally where failures are frequent. Research on the results of case and group work is confusing and disheartening, but if social workers will innovate and find newer methods of treatment, they will become more effective. 22 references.