Showing papers in "Journal of Offender Rehabilitation in 2004"

Variables Affecting Successful Reintegration as Perceived by Offenders and Professionals

Abstract: Six broad domains were identified as influencing reintegration of ex-offenders including personal conditions, social network/environment, accommodation, criminal justice system, rehabilitation and counselling support, and employment and training support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 offenders and 22 professionals from criminal justice, accommodation, employment support, and rehabilitation program sectors. Participants were asked to identify variables within each domain that affect success or failure of offenders in making a positive life transition. Identified variables included a readiness to change, achieving stable housing and obtaining employment, avoiding illegal activity and complying with mandatory reporting, remaining free of dependency, and addressing basic education and training needs.

Offenders and Post-Release Jobs: Variables Influencing Success and Failure

Abstract: Nonviolent adult repeat offenders between the ages of 18 and 35 face nearly insurmountable obstacles to successful reintegration into dominant culture. Upon release from prison ex-offenders receive an average of $69 from their state department of corrections, or between $100-$500 from the Federal Bureau of Prisons to aid their transition back into their communities. As many of them search for legitimate work opportunities, they must deal with the stigma attached to a criminal record and legally enforced employment restrictions barring them from working in several occupations. In addition, most states and the federal government prohibit ex-offenders from accessing public aid funds or financial assistance for school. Finally, many released inmates find they are forced to live in isolated, impoverished communities where there are few job opportunities. In this essay, we analyze secondary data on recidivism and employability for ex-offenders. A review of the literature and history on ex-offender voca...

North Carolina Assessment of Risk (NCAR): Reliability and Predictive Validity with Juvenile Offenders

Abstract: Actuarial risk assessment instruments are used increasingly in juvenile justice to classify youths according to their risk of recidivism The purpose of this article is to describe the results of two studies of one instrument: the North Carolina Assessment of Risk (NCAR) In the first study, the inter-rater reliability of the risk assessment instrument was estimated with a sample of 175 court counselors who rated videotaped vignettes of juvenile offenders In the second study, predictive validity was assessed prospectively by following a statewide sample of 464 delinquent youths for 12 months Findings indicate that the risk assessment instrument increases reliability as compared to clinical judgment Moreover, risk scores are correlated significantly with rearrest However, analyses also show that relationships between risk scores and recidivism vary for subgroups based on gender and race/ethnicity Though challenges remain in improving the accuracy of risk assessment, the findings suggest that

Concerns and Coping Strategies of Women Inmates Concerning Release

Abstract: This article examines reintegration issues as experienced by women inmates approaching release. The data, based on unstructured, in-depth interviews with 40 incarcerated women, highlight the practical concerns that the inmates anticipate upon release and how they plan to overcome the obstacles before them. Housing, employment, familial reintegration, and substance abuse issues were commonly discussed. Coping strategies for overcoming these obstacles included education, 12-step programs, and prayer. Their accounts reveal the anxiety and fear associated with release and highlight the need for programs and policies to assist reintegration efforts.

The Reasoning and Rehabilitation Program: Assessing Short- and Long-Term Outcomes among Male Swedish Prisoners.

Abstract: The Reasoning & Rehabilitation Program for Swedish Male Prisoners : Assessing Short- and Long-Term Outcomes Among Male Swedish Prisoners

Prison Volunteers: Profiles, Motivations, Satisfaction.

Abstract: Large numbers of correctional institutions rely on volunteers to assist staff in various programs and tasks. At present there exists a paucity of literature describing these programs and/or subjecting them to systematic evaluation. The present study uses self-report data from a sample of active volunteers at a medium-security Southern prison to profile institutional volunteers, assess the degree of volunteer satisfaction and identify issues/areas of concern that could be used to enhance the volunteer experience. Data suggests that volunteers were predominantly white, middle-aged and older men with high levels of education. Most were motivated by a strong sense of religious values and concern to help others; as such, most chose to participate in religious programs. Volunteers were largely satisfied with their experience and held high appraisals of institutional staff and inmates. This study identifies a need for additional systematic research that seeks to describe and appraise volunteer programs ...

Attitude Change Following a Diversion Program for Men who Solicit Sex

Abstract: This study investigates the effectiveness of an educational diversion program, or “john school,” in changing the attitudes of men arrested for soliciting or attempting to solicit sex. Participants were 341 men who completed pre— and post-program measures assessing attitudes towards prostitution, attitudes towards prostituted women, and attitudes towards purchasing sexual services. Analyses revealed significant attitude changes in all three areas. Further analyses revealed that the program appeared to meet its goal of producing attitude change irrespective of prior experience levels with prostitution. Findings suggest that diversion programs like the one examined may be successful in their goal of changing the perception that prostitution is a victimless crime.

Cost-Effectiveness of Connecticut's In-Prison Substance Abuse Treatment

Abstract: Over the past two decades, the criminal justice population in the US has grown by over 200%, most of this due to an increase in drug-involved offenders Although there is good evidence that prison-based substance abuse treatment programs can be effective in reducing rearrest, few cost-effectiveness studies have been conducted Using data from the Connecticut Department of Correction and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), we compared the cost-effectiveness of four tiers (levels) of substance abuse treatment programs for a sample of 831 offenders who were released during FY1996-FY1997 Effectiveness, measured by reductions in the likelihood of rearrest within six months, one year and 18 months post-release, was compared for inmates who had received treatment while incarcerated (n = 358) and those who had not (n = 473) At all intervals, offenders who attended any of the higher tier programs (two, three and four) had significantly lower rates of rearrest when

Legally Prescribed Functions of Adult and Juvenile Probation Officers: Worlds Apart?.

Abstract: Historically, there have been two competing goals of probation: law enforcement and rehabilitation of the offender. Accordingly, the role, functions, and tasks of probation officers are at times in conflict. In this paper we explore the roles of adult and juvenile probation officers and compare their statutorily prescribed duties. In so doing we attempt to uncover what differences exist between adult and juvenile probation officers. We conclude that there are no appreciable differences between the orientation (either law enforcement or rehabilitation) of the tasks adult and juvenile probation officers are mandated to perform. Moreover, the task orientation of probation officers (adult and juvenile) is slanted towards law enforcement.

Recidivism Among High-Risk Drug Felons: A Longitudinal Analysis Following Residential Treatment

Abstract: Recent interest in increasing access to substance abuse treatment for drug-involved offenders has been spurred by concerns over expanding prison and jail populations, high recidivism rates for drug-involved offenders, and the close link between illegal drug use and criminal activity. Chronic untreated drug and alcohol abuse is likely to result in high rates of repeated contacts with the criminal justice system and a greater likelihood of reincarceration. Unless these offenders naturally desist from drug use, or are successfully engaged in treatment, recidivism is likely to remain high and the courts and correctional systems are likely to continue to be overwhelmed by large numbers of drug-involved offenders. This article uses multiple recidivism measures to assess the long-term effects of diversion to a highly coercive, long-term residential therapeutic community treatment for repeat felony drug offenders charged with drug sales and facing mandatory incarceration in state prison. If the offenders...

Recidivism Among Juvenile Offenders over Periods Ranging from One to Twenty Years Following Residential Treatment

Abstract: This paper examines the recidivism data for juvenile offenders discharged from a Massachusetts residential treatment center between 1976 and 1995. The criminal histories, juvenile and adult, of 162 delinquent youth referred through the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services who left the program were reviewed. Recidivism was defined as any post-program juvenile or adult conviction. A program stay of over 11 months was associated with no future convictions for all offenders (p = .031). Chronic offenders (4 arrests prior to commitment) madeup 59% of the sample (N = 95). As expected, chronic offending was highly associated with recidivism (p = .004), yet it was also seen that chronic offenders in placement for 11 months or more recidivated at a significantly lower rate then those in placement less than 11 months (p = .026). A cost benefit analysis showed that a savings of $18,690,728 could be achieved by retaining chronic juvenile offenders in residential placement for over 11 months.

Evaluation of an Anger Therapy Intervention for Incarcerated Adult Males

Abstract: An anger therapy intervention was developed for incarcerated adult males. The therapy was an extension of cognitive-behavioral approaches, incorporating principles and practices drawn from Buddhist psychology. Adult males from a Midwestern low-security prison were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (n= 16) or a waiting list control group (n= 15). Following a 10-session intervention, treated participants exhibited significant reduction in anger relative to those in the control group. Greater reductions in anger for the therapy group was mediated (p = .07), by greater reduction in egotism relative to the control group. Contrary to predictions, anger reduction was not mediated by increases in empathy. Implications for designing and delivering interventions in prison settings are discussed.

Onset and Desistance in Criminal Careers: Neurobiology and the Age-Crime Relationship.

Abstract: Until recently, attempts to understand and explain criminal offending have been grounded in theories from sociological, legal, and psy- chological perspectives. In the preceding twenty years, or so, however, some research in the field has endeavored to look at offending from a psychobiological viewpoint. This research concerns the potential conse- quences of the effects of neurobiological influences on brain behavior and, consequently, human behavior. This paper discusses briefly some of the specific areas of neural research currently underway, including looking at the potential consequences for behavior, as it correlates with the age-crime curve, of the effects of neurotransmission. It also considers where the field of criminological research may be heading as a result of the insights into neurobiologically induced behavior. (Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: Website:

Abolition of Pell Grants for Higher Education of Prisoners: Examining Antecedents and Consequences

Abstract: Rehabilitative and reintegrative correctional philosophies see prison inmate college education as an effective approach to reduction of offender recidivism rate. The provision of prison-based college education Pell Grants by Congress were part and parcel of these correctional philosophies. This study critically and rigorously examines the history and the politics that led to the abolition of Pell Grants for prison inmates' college education in the United States of America. The elimination of Pell Grants for prison inmates' post-secondary correctional education is not without profound consequences that are too important and too costly to ignore. In this analysis, adequate efforts are made to discuss the profound consequences that occurred as a result of the abolition of Pell Grants for prison inmates' college education.

Women in Jail: “Soft Skills” and Barriers to Employment

Abstract: The jail population of women in the United States is growing at a greater rate than the population of men. Jails are short-term confinement facilities and many inmates will be released after a short period of time, only to be recycled again through the jail system. To reduce the level of recidivism for female inmates, interventions to address deficits in employability skills and attitudes should be a priority. This article examines the level of employability skills for a small sample (n = 52) of female jail inmates. Specifically, we examine basic “soft skills” in the three domains: basic skills (reading and math), interpersonal skills, and personal characteristics and attitudes. We find that female inmates have deficits in all three soft skills domains. Additionally, this sample had serious barriers to employment including a high level of substance abuse addiction, a lack of basic necessities, and emotional and physical illness. Recommendations are made for addressing these shortfalls with the go...

Onset and Desistance in Criminal Careers

Abstract: Until recently, attempts to understand and explain criminal offending have been grounded in theories from sociological, legal, and psychological perspectives. In the preceding twenty years, or so, however, some research in the field has endeavored to look at offending from a psychobiological viewpoint. This research concerns the potential consequences of the effects of neurobiological influences on brain behavior and, consequently, human behavior. This paper discusses briefly some of the specific areas of neural research currently underway, including looking at the potential consequences for behavior, as it correlates with the age-crime curve, of the effects of neurotransmission. It also considers where the field of criminological research may be heading as a result of the insights into neurobiologically induced behavior.

Outcome Data for MICA Clients After Participation in an Institutional Therapeutic Community

Abstract: The current study assessed the effectiveness of a prison-based substance abuse treatment therapeutic community (TC) providing treatment to male inmates dually diagnosed with both substance abuse and mental health disorders. The findings show a short-term impact of the program on arrest after release, with program participants significantly less likely than comparison group offenders to be arrested or returned to prison within three months of release. Logistic regression analyses confirmed that program participants are more likely than the comparison group to be medication compliant, abstinent from substances, and more stable at three months after release. The analyses suggest that participation in the program increases the likelihood of medication compliance after release. The mediational model resulting from this study suggests that treatment participation directly impacts medication compliance. Medication compliance impacts substance use, and these two factors then combine to improve mental hea...

Cross-Gender Perceptions of Corrections Officers in Gender-Segregated Prisons

Abstract: This paper explores the similarities and differences between women and men correctional officers in an all men and an all women prison in a Midwestern state. The similarities outnumbered the differences, and it was determined that the acceptance of women correctional officers by their male counterparts in both prisons was high. The acceptance of women officers in the corrections field appears to have improved. However, women correctional officers perceive their male counterparts as being better supervisors and counselors of both men and women inmates. Acceptance of women correctional officers working in an all male facility was higher by men officers than by the other women correctional officers. Many of the fears of women working in corrections documented from the 1970s seemed to have dissipated. There was a lack of comprehensive demographic data on women correctional officers and on whether there is a difference between those who serve at a women's prison and those who serve in an all men's prison.

When the Goals of Therapists and Patients Clash: A Study of Pedophiles in Treatment.

Abstract: This article first reports the main results and conclusions from a study on 24 pedophile sex abusers in treatment in a Canadian specialized institution. The aims of this study were to better understand what motivates abusers to enter treatment as well as how they experience the treatment on a daily basis and consider it to be helpful. In investigating the dynamics of the treatment program, it appeared that the patients gave much care to the interpersonal aspects of the treatment, particularly with the therapists. These results are discussed using psychodynamic theories. Finally, the results are also discussed in the light of recent empirical findings in psychotherapy process research. It is suggested that the abuser is not a passive recipient of the therapist's technique but rather is proactive, having very often a different therapy agenda then the therapist.

Evaluating the “Reasoning and Rehabilitation” Program for Young Offenders

Abstract: The effectiveness of the Reasoning and Rehabilitation (R and R) program with juvenile offenders in an English prison was evaluated using reconviction and reimprisonment at eighteen months post-release as outcomes. A group of offenders who completed the program (n = 31) were compared with a group of offenders who did not receive the program (n = 31). The comparison group was created by retrospectively matching offenders by offence type, sentence length, age, and number of previous convictions. A small reduction in reconviction during the first eighteen months after release was found for the treatment group, although the difference was not significant. A slightly larger reduction in reimprisonment for the treatment group was found, but again the difference was not statistically significant. No significant differences were observed between the survival curves for the two groups. These findings contrast with more positive outcomes reported by large-scale studies of the R and R program with adult male...

Challenges Facing Canadian Federal Offenders Newly Released to the Community: A Concept Map.

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to describe the needs of newly released Canadian federal offenders as perceived by community parole supervisors. Seventy-four Canadian parole supervisors were asked to answer the following question: “What challenges do parolees face in the first 90 days after release?” The data were analyzed using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Ten clusters resulted including: a return to previous lifestyle, establishing family support with partners, readjustment to non-institutional life, financial problems, lack of employment experience, stigma, spiritual guidance, and correctional programming. It is suggested that the benefits of providing newly released offenders with basic information about their community resources be made available, and that their use of these resources can be enhanced through networking between the correctional system and community agencies and groups.

Estimating Criminal Justice System Costs and Cost-Savings Benefits of Day Reporting Centers.

Abstract: This paper reports on the net cost-savings benefits (loss) to the criminal justice system of one rural and one urban day reporting center, both of which serve high risk/high need probationers. It also discusses issues of conducting criminal justice system cost studies of community corrections programs. The average DRC participant in the rural program produced a potential cost-savings benefit to the criminal justice system during the 12-month follow-up period. In the urban county, probation officers primarily referred probationers to the DRC as an alternative to revocation. This program yields a potential net loss to the system. Without access to the DRC, however, most of these individuals would have been incarcerated and costs to the system would have been much higher.

Psychological and Demographic Predictors of Treatment Attrition among Women Assaulters.

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to: (a) investigate differences in demographic variables and psychological variables between treatment completers and dropouts among abusive women in a treatment program for domestic violence offenders; and, (b) create a predictive model that would correctly identify women at greatest risk of dropping out of the program. Method: The study employed a secondary analysis of 50 women, 25 treatment completers and 25 dropouts in treatment for domestic violence offenses. Results: Analysis indicated that very few of the demographic and psychological variables differentiated between treatment completers and dropouts. However, a logistic regression model was developed that correctly predicted treatment completion for 76% of the sample. Conclusion: Implications of the findings for improving retention rates among women attending batterer treatment programs were explored and discussed.

Social Support and Anger Expression Among Incarcerated Women

Abstract: Incarcerated women at a maximum security state facility (N= 216) completed a questionnaire concerning their perceived social support within the prison, structured activities, and perceived support from prison surrogate families A series of regression analyses evaluated the relationship between social support measures and anger, as measured by the Spielberger State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI; 1991) Results indicated that women who perceived higher levels of support from fellow inmates tended to express higher levels of anger, while women who perceived higher levels of social support from vocational, education, and recreational activities tended to express lower levels of anger Results also indicated that a large proportion of women in prison have family-like relationships within the prison, and that women who attest to higher levels of support from such surrogate family relationships tend to have greater difficulties with anger regulation Results implied the importance of understa

The Criminal Attribution Inventory: A Measure of Offender Perceptions.

Abstract: The Criminal Attribution Inventory (CRAI), drawing upon attribution theory and criminally-related domains, measures criminal responsibility and blame. The CRAI's six scales measure criminal responsibility (Psychopathology, Personality), external criminal blame (Victim, Alcohol, Society) and the attribution of crime to random factors (Random). The items and instructions were designed to measure changes resulting from treatment intervention. With incarcerated and community samples, adequate reliabilities (alpha, test-retest) and pre-post-treatment changes (five treatment programs) were demonstrated. These results provide some evidence of the CRAI's utility in measuring criminal treatment change.

Victims' Voices in the Correctional Setting: Cognitive Gains in an Offender Education Program

Abstract: A 40-hour education program covering the impact of crime on victims and their families was offered to sentenced offenders in a statewide prison system. Questionnaire responses from 339 males, ranging in age from 21–45 years, were examined. Results indicated that the program increased knowledge of victim rights, facts of victimization, and sensitivity to victims' plight. Age was a significant covariate, with younger offenders initially expressing less knowledge of victim legal rights and less understanding of victim suffering. Posttreatment results indicated that younger offenders changed in a positive direction to a greater degree than older offenders. Truthfulness was found to correlate with avoidance of victim blame.

False Positives among Adolescent Sex Offenders: Concurrent and Predictive Validity of the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory.

Abstract: The ability of the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory(MACI; Millon, 1993) to identify serious adolescent, male sexual-offenders and to predict their recidivism following treatment was examined. MACI scores were evaluated for 381 adolescent, male sexual-offenders adjudicated delinquent for felony crimes and given maximum sentences, and, on the basis of detailed court and clinical records, diagnosed as conduct-disordered (79.5%) or antisocial-behaviored (20.5%). No mean MACI Base Rate Scores exceeded the clinically significant threshold, indicating low sensitivity from the MACI for identifying individuals as belonging in this extreme population of offenders and no ability from the MACI for predicting recidivism in this group on community release following treatment. The MACI, and possibly self-report instruments in general, is simply not sufficient for these purposes.

Staff Perceptions of the Work Environment in Juvenile Group Home Settings: A Study of Social Climate

Abstract: This study used the Prison Social Climate Survey to measure perceptions of the work environment among staff employed in all group homes administered by a state department of juvenile justice. Work environment perceptions were favorable along six dimensions and in the moderate range on a seventh. The variables that most consistently predicted staff perceptions were facility location (rural, urban, mid-size city) and whether staff had previously worked at privately operated facilities. Combined with previous research, the findings suggest that variables that are predictive of staff viewpoints in more closed settings, such as prisons and juvenile institutions, are not necessarily predictive in open, community correctional settings.

Recidivism 12 Months After TASC

Abstract: Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime (TASC) is a national program model that has been proposed as a strategy to address the needs of offenders with substance abuse problems who are under some form of community corrections supervision. Logistic regression analysis of a random subsection of 300 clients discharged from a Northwest Ohio TASC program during calendar year 2000 found that successful completion of TASC was significantly associated with a reduction in rearrest within 12 months following TASC discharge. This effect was seen even after controlling for other factors associated with criminal recidivism, such as age, sex, prior criminal history, and prior alcohol and drug use.

Opinions About Treatment Modalities Among Patients Involuntarily Committed to a Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Finland

Abstract: Patient satisfaction studies concerning various treatment modalities are few among involuntary forensic psychiatric treatment They indicate general satisfaction with medication, interactive treatment and occupational therapy but dissatisfaction with lack of privacy, insufficiently explained rules and inadequately explained reasons of seclusion In order to find out patients' opinions concerning prerequisites of cooperation, we investigated by using an anonymous questionnaire, opinions and general satisfaction with various forms of therapy, and associations of factors related to different treatment modalities among a population (N = 260) of seriously ill forensic psychiatric patients Statistical analyses (chi-square, factor analysis, logistic regression) revealed that, according to patients' experiences, their personal psychiatric nurses were helpful as well as their psychiatrists in spite of their restrictive functions Medication and restrictions were considered helpful by those patients who e