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Women and Fraud: Results of a Program at the Prison for Women

NCJ Number
152034
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: January 1994 Pages: 39-41
Author(s)
J. Atkinson; H. McLean
Date Published
January 1994
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings from the evaluation of a Canadian group program for female Federal fraud offenders offered by the Psychology Department at the Prison for Women.
Abstract
According to clinical assessments, female Federal fraud offenders differ from other federally incarcerated women. Using these clinical data, the Psychology Department developed a model of the historic or familial development of chronic fraud, as well as the current functional relationships that maintained the behavior. The curriculum was based on the principles used in relapse-prevention programs for people with addictions as well as on the tenets and process guidelines of feminist therapy. The evaluation of the program tested the hypothesis that the program would improve participants' assertiveness and self-efficacy. To assess this, two psychometric measures were administered before and after the program. To obtain family background and demographic information, two measures were administered before the first session. At 6 and 12 months after the program, the women were contacted to obtain information on recidivism. When data on the measures of assertiveness and likelihood to reoffend were combined across all three groups of participants, treatment effects were evident. Women showed significant improvements in assertiveness and increased confidence in their ability to avoid reoffending; however, none of the preprogram, postprogram, or change measures discriminated between recidivists and nonrecidivists at any point after release. Possible explanations for the latter findings are presented. 13 footnotes