Team Approach to Diagnosis (From Holistic Approaches to Offender Rehabilitation, P 179-202, 1982, Leonard J Hippchen, ed. - See NCJ-85681)

• NCJ Number: 85689
• Author(s): G vonHilsheimer
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 24 pages
• Sale Source: Chicago Board of Education
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

The theoretical framework for the team diagnosis is maximizing offenders in their personal, social, and biological environment, based on the premise that criminals are biologically, socially, and personally inept.

Abstract

Because of limited correctional resources, diagnosis must identify those inmates most likely to benefit from the treatment programs, screening out those persons not likely to change. The team approach to diagnosis depoliticizes and objectifies this selection process. By weighing evidence from several disciplines, the team makes a prediction that may eliminate the personal bias of the intake officers. The team approach in diagnosis emphasizes the physical examination, with a competent neuropsychological and psychophysiological examination serving as the basis for subsequent social and personal studies. Morever, the team approach permits the identification of sullen, uncooperative, neurotic offenders with a high risk of violent behavior while incarcerated and a high risk of recidivism, as well as those who may be behaviorally similar but who will respond positively to restraint, social support, and therapy. Sixty-eight references are listed.