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HALFWAY HOUSE FOR REFORMATORY RELEASEES

NCJ Number
52224
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Dated: (JULY 1970) Pages: 292-304
Author(s)
R H VASOLI; F J FAHEY
Date Published
1970
Length
13 pages
Annotation
THIS ARTICLE DESCRIBES THE ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF A HALFWAY HOUSE IN GARY, IND., FOR YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS RELEASED FROM A REFORMATORY WHICH INVOLVED THE EFFORTS OF A UNIVERSITY, A STEEL CORPORATION, AND AGENCIES.
Abstract
THE NOTRE DAME YOUTH CENTER IN GARY, IND., OPERATED FOR SLIGHTLY MORE THAN A YEAR BEFORE BEING PHASED OUT IN 1967. A DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CENTER WAS THE EXTENT TO WHICH DIVERSE RESOURCES WERE MOBILIZED FOR ITS OPERATION. FUNDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE, THE CENTER WAS CREATED TO FACILITATE THE POSTRELEASE ADJUSTMENT OF YOUTHFUL REFORMATORY PAROLEES. THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF THE CENTER WAS ON VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION. AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO SHOW THAT YOUNG OFFENDERS CAN BE PREPARED FOR CAREERS THAT WILL HELP THEM BECOME SELF-SUSTAINING, THAT A CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION'S VOCATIONAL PROGRAM CAN MOTIVATE AND TRAIN YOUNG OFFENDERS TO ENTER ACCEPTED AVENUES OF EMPLOYMENT AND SEEK UPWARD MOBILITY WITHIN THESE SITUATIONS, AND THAT SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICES IN CONJUNCTION WITH VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION WILL REDUCE RECIDIVISM. CENTER STAFF MEMBERS WERE DIRECTED BY A PSYCHOLOGIST WHO, IN ADDITION TO HIS ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES, CONDUCTED A COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING SERVICE FOR RELEASEES. RESIDENT COUNSELORS HAD THE MOST DIRECT CONTACT WITH RELEASEES. THE PROGRAM'S 77 PARTICIPANTS ENTERED THE HALFWAY HOUSE WITH CERTAIN ASSURANCES NOT USUALLY AVAILABLE TO OFFENDERS JUST RELEASED FROM A REFORMATORY. MOST COULD CONFIDENTLY EXPECT A WELL-PAYING JOB IN A STEEL CORPORATION INVOLVED IN THE CENTER'S PROGRAM WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR ADVANCEMENT. THOSE UNABLE TO PASS THE COMPANY'S MINIMAL HIRING REQUIREMENTS WOULD BE TRAINED TO MEET THEM OR WOULD BE PLACED WITH OTHER EMPLOYERS. IN ADDITION, EACH YOUTH WAS GIVEN FREE SHELTER FOR AT LEAST 6 WEEKS. IF HE OR SHE WAS TEMPORARILY UNEMPLOYED, A WEEKLY ALLOWANCE WAS PROVIDED FOR THE SAME PERIOD. ALTHOUGH THE FOCUS OF THE PROGRAM WAS VOCATIONAL BY DESIGN, IT INCLUDED A VARIETY OF OTHER SUPPORTIVE MEASURES INCLUDING RECREATION, 24-HOUR SUPERVISION AND GUIDANCE, PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING AND COUNSELING, MEDICAL CARE, AND EDUCATION. THE DISAPPOINTINGLY HIGH INCIDENCE OF RECIDIVISM AMONG PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS IS ANALYZED. (AUTHOR'S ABSTRACT MODIFIED)