Special Problem Offenders (From Social Work in Juvenile and Criminal Justice Settings, P 349-361, 1983, A R Roberts, ed. - See NCJ-91641)

• NCJ Number: 91655
• Author(s): D W Edwards
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper briefly reviews the status of treatment for alcoholic offenders, drug abusers, sex offenders, emotionally disturbed offenders, and older offenders, followed by a discussion of general implications for social work practice.

Abstract

Regarding the handling of alcoholic offenders, there is a trend toward diverting persons arrested for alcohol-related crimes to treatment programs. Offenders whose crimes are not directly related to alcohol abuse but who have alcohol-related problems are frequently identified in correctional settings for the purpose of offering treatment. Both residential and nonresidential treatment programs for drug abuse are similar to those for alcoholics. More attention should be given to training criminal justice personnel to identify and respond appropriately to the special needs of alcoholic and drug abusing offenders. Sufficient data are not yet available to assess the effectiveness of the few sex offender programs currently operating in the United States. A key element in evaluating such programs is the recidivism of those treated. The treatment of emotionally disturbed offenders varies greatly within the United States. Treatment approaches vary from the use of special forensic units or hospitals for psychotic offenders to special units within the correctional system and the placing of such offenders in the general prison population. Regarding services for older offenders, few correctional programs have special geriatric facilities. Consequently, the unique needs of older offenders do not receive the special treatment they require. Social workers need a more expansive research data base dealing with the needs of special problem offenders. This will enable workers to restructure present programs and participate more intelligently in planning, organizing, and implementing alternative strategies responsive to such offenders. Further, social workers must develop more effective means of mobilizing resources, strengthening social supports, and providing advocacy for special problem offenders. Twenty-eight references are provided.