The study involved a 1-year recidivism followup that related background characteristics to recidivism rates, an analysis of the effect of selected programs on recidivism, and an analysis of data from inmate and staff interviews. The recidivism rate (16.5 percent) for the 255 men and women in the sample was significantly lower than their expected recidivism rate derived from base expectancy categories (28.2 percent). The recidivism rate was lower for the women than the men in relation to the base expectancy for each sex. The Framingham experience apparently produced the most significant recidivism reduction for persons traditionally considered the greatest risks to recidivate -- young men and women with a history of drug involvement and relatively frequent court appearances. Both the furlough and work release programs tended to reduce recidivism, while those involved in the institutional counseling program had greater recidivism rates than nonparticipants. Inmates in the counseling program expressed the belief that it impacted their lives in the institution more than their adjustment in the community. The counseling was based in the traditional psychotherapeutic approach. Tabular data and the interview questionnaire are provided, along with 31 footnotes and 29 references. (Author summary modified)