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Predictors of Success in a Correctional Halfway House for Youthful and Adult Offenders

NCJ Number
71011
Journal
Corrective and Social Psychiatry and Journal of Behavior Technology Methods and Therapy Volume: 26 Issue: 2 Dated: (1980) Pages: 59-72
Author(s)
K Moczydlowski
Date Published
1980
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The study reported here used multivariate analysis to determine the variables relevant to resident success or failure in a specific halfway house program.
Abstract
The basic premise of the study was that certain types of clients are more likely to succeed in such a program. In order to determine the optimal client type, client background variables were correlated with measures of outcomes and success in the program. Information for the years 1974 and 1978 was gathered on personal, criminal, and institutional histories from the files of 90 residents who attended Troy House. The institution is a private, nonprofit community-based correctional agency in North Carolina, geared to the rehabilitation of adult male offenders. It uses a reality-oriented program that emphasizes obtaining and keeping gainful employment. The average age of residents sampled was 27; 58 percent had been referred by the Bureau of Prisons; 52 percent were black; 34 percent either currently or previously had an alcohol problem. A total of 70 percent maintained the same job while at the house, and the average length of stay at the house was 71 days. The personal background variables considered were age, employment record, drug or alcohol use, intelligence quotient, educational level, community ties, and family life. Criminal history variables included prior arrests, sentence severity of Zrime, history of assaultive behavior, age at first arrest, and institutional adjustment and time served. Program variables involved were length of stay at the house, time employed, community treatment, and satisfaction with employment. Program adjustment was progressively graded into three variables; initial, during program, and release. Alcohol use appeared to be the most significant factor in predicting success within the program. Those individuals who abused alcohol were less likely to adjust, remain conflict-free, and be released in good standing. Overall, the study concluded that older clients who had committed several crimes but had less of a criminal record and alcohol problem and a better employment record were the client type most likely to succeed in the kind of program offered by Troy House. Similar predictor success studies of various programs should be gathered and compared to enable programmmers and evaluators to devise programs suited to treat specific classes of offenders. Tabular data are appended.

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