NCJ Number
108625
Journal
Journal of Offender Counseling Services and Rehabilitation Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall/Winter 1987) Pages: 61-72
Date Published
1987
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The study of the handicapped has increased rapidly in the United States, but the problem of handicapped prisoners has not been addressed.
Abstract
The present study was undertaken with two purposes: (1) to determine what types of services should be provided in a model program for handicapped inmates; and (2) to assess the scope of the problem of handicapped inmates and the current level of services being provided in the prison systems in the United States. Based on a review of the literature, a model treatment program was developed for handicapped prison inmates. A survey was then undertaken to determine the number of handicapped inmates and the types of programs presently being provided. The results indicate that most prison systems had identified some handicapped inmates, but the data suggested that precise numbers are not known, especially in the case of mental handicaps. The need for improved management information systems was emphasized. A variety of programs were found to be offered to prison inmates, but for many systems more specialized consideration and treatment for handicapped inmates were not available. The need to provide evaluation and treatment for inmates with handicaps was discussed, utilizing the comprehensive list of handicaps and program services developed in this research. (Author abstract)