Case files were examined to gather information on 776 cases involved in postconviction diversion and postincarceration transition. Positive bonding with the conventional social order was measured in terms of increasing educational and occupational status, gaining employment, and decreasing drug and alcohol problems. Using bonding theory as developed by Elliott and others, it was hypothesized that if community corrections treatment could increase positive bonding, recidivism would decrease. Results indicated that while positive bonding was related to decreased recidivism, community corrections treatment was not consistently related to increasing positive bonds. About one-third of the clients who started treatment was the one which began with low bonds; about half of this group improved during community corrections treatment. The group which responded most favorably to treatment was the one which began with low bonds; about half of this group improved during community corrections treatment. This outcome probably occurred due to the increase in surveillance involved in community corrections. Bonding theory's implications for criminal justice approaches are valid, but community corrections is not now totally successful in strengthening bonds with the conventional social order. Sentencing of only those clients who are truly in need of more intensive services to community corrections should improve the success of this treatment alternative. A literature review, tabular and graphic data, 84 references, a glossary of abbreviations used for computer analyses, and extensive appendixes presenting additional findings and coding forms are provided. (Author abstract modified)