NCJ Number
26246
Journal
Corrections Magazine Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1974) Pages: 13-24
Date Published
1974
Length
12 pages
Annotation
A DESCRIPTION OF THE OBJECTIVES, DEVELOPMENT, AND OPERATIONS OF THIS THERAPEUTIC PROGRAM FOR SEX OFFENDERS WHICH UTILIZES INMATE-DIRECTED GROUP THERAPY TO UNCOVER AND ANALYZE THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ROOTS OF THEIR BEHAVIOR.
Abstract
THE ROARE PROGRAM IS ONE OF THE THERAPEUTIC METHODS AVAILABLE AT THE RAHWAY TREATMENT UNIT (RTU), OPERATED BY THE NEW JERSEY DIAGNOSTIC UNIT. THE ROARE PROGRAM IS VOLUNTARY, SINCE INMATES MUST COOPERATE FULLY FOR THE TREATMENT TO SUCCEED. THE PURPOSE OF THE THERAPY IS FOR INMATES TO DREDGE UP THE REPRESSED FEAR, HATRED, OR INSECURITY THAT LED TO THEIR CRIMES. THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED BY MEANS OF THE INMATE GROUP SESSION. IN THIS SESSION, A SMALL GROUP OF INMATES MEET AND DISCUSS THEIR PROBLEMS UNTIL ONE OF THE INMATES IS ABLE TO ENTER A 'REGRESSIVE' STATE IN WHICH HE RELIVES THE INCIDENTS THAT HAVE PROMPTED HIS ABERRANT BEHAVIOR. ALTHOUGH NO THERAPIST IS PRESENT DURING THE SESSION, EACH SESSION IS VIDEOTAPED AND THERAPISTS MONITOR THE SESSION FROM ANOTHER ROOM. AFTER THE SESSION THE INMATE VIEWS THE VIDEOTAPE UNTIL HE IS ABLE TO ASSIMILATE THE REPRESSED MEMORY. RECIDIVISM RATES FOR PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS ARE REVIEWED; THESE RATES INDICATE THAT THE SEX OFFENDER PROGRAM IS SUCCESSFUL AT PREVENTING MOST OF ITS GRADUATES FROM RETURNING TO PRISON.