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REVIVIFICATION OF REHABILITATION: EVIDENCE FROM THE 1980'S (FROM YOUTH INJUSTICE: CANADIAN PERSPECTIVES, P 309-376, 1993, THOMAS O'REILLY-FLEMING, BARRY CLARK, EDS. -- SEE NCJ-148261)

NCJ Number
148280
Author(s)
P Gendreau; R R Ross
Date Published
1993
Length
68 pages
Annotation
This article contains rehabilitation topics defined by programmatic structure such as biomedical, diversion, early or family intervention, education, getting tough, individual differences, parole and probation, restitution, and work; therapies as applied to distinct classes of offenders (sexual, substance abusers, violent); and meta-analyses of the treatment literature.
Abstract
There is no compelling empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of biomedical methods of delinquent behaviors. Diversion treatments are effective when they are well grounded theoretically within social-support and social-control propositions, are straightforward, and focus on positive rather than on pathological or punishment processes. The evidence for effective early or family intervention programs is impressive by any standards. There is some optimism regarding education programs, particularly if two conditions are met: (1) traditional and postrelease services must be part of such programs; and (2) instruction must de-emphasize the three R's and focus on cognitive restructuring, moral development, and problemsolving in the interpersonal and social skills necessary for the prisoner to function in society. The authors describe three deterrence programs under the Getting Tough section. They stress that individual differences are crucial to understanding the effectiveness of different treatment programs. Parole and probation evaluations tend to show rather modest results. There have been few evaluations of restitution programs and work programs. There is discussion of effective treatment programs for sexual offenders, drug abusers, and violent offenders, and explanation of statistical synthesis of evaluation literature, particularly the technique known as meta-analysis. References