A performance audit completed in 1985 examined program planning, treatment, staffing, the current grounding of the Western State Hospital program, offender recidivism, program completion rates, program security, and the impact of sentencing reform in 1984. Comprehensive planning does not occur in a systematic or formalized fashion. Treatment has not kept up with current knowledge, and staff are heavily overburdened. A patient's escape in 1985 has resulted in the suspension of certain activities and privileges at the Western State program for the last 9 months, resulting in adverse impacts on the program, staff, and offenders. Only about 20 percent of the offenders entering the program are eventually discharged successfully. Reconviction rates of 222 offenders successfully discharged between 1970 and 1980 ranged from a known low of 35.2 percent to a possible high of 39.5 percent. Security measures at the two programs are procedural rather than physical. Sentencing reform has not yet affected the programs. The programs should be continued, with modifications, in their present location, but security must be improved. If the legislature decides to move a program to a correctional facility, the Western State program should be moved to the Shelton correctional facility. Footnotes, tables, detailed recommendations, appended comments from State mental health and correctional agencies, and legislative history.