NCJ Number
150452
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 38 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1994) Pages: 97-104
Date Published
1994
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study consisted of a quantitative analysis of 44 rigorously controlled evaluations of prison rehabilitation programs conducted between 1970 and 1991 to determine whether the presence of certain identified factors were associated with the effectiveness of the programs.
Abstract
The results showed that only 20 of the 44 programs evaluated during the study period had been found effective. This study revealed only six characteristics related to program efficacy. These included a sound conceptual model, multifaceted programming, targeted criminogenic needs, responsivity principle, use of role playing and modeling, and social cognitive skills training. The results showed that some widely held assumptions about rehabilitation effectiveness were not upheld by the available research. There was no significant difference between high-risk and low-risk offenders in terms of their response to varying intensity of services. Furthermore, the study showed that some programs can be effective in prisons if they diminish the usual prison ambience and create an alternative community within the institution. There was no support for the notion that programs are effective only for motivated offenders who voluntarily participate. 27 references