NCJ Number
7567
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: (1972) Pages: 35-43
Date Published
1972
Length
9 pages
Annotation
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN REHABILITATION PROGRAMS BECAUSE OF THE FRAGMENTED WAY IN WHICH RESEARCH IS SPONSORED AND THE INCONSISTENCY OF SENTENCING.
Abstract
AUTHOR DESCRIBES THE THERAPEUTIC APPROACH USED BY THE DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT CENTER IN DANNEMORA, NEW YORK. THE FUNCTION OF THE CENTER IS TO TREAT PERSISTENT OR NEUROTIC OFFENDERS, CONDUCT RESEARCH, AND TRAIN CORRECTIONAL PERSONNEL. TREATMENT, BASED ON A THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY APPROACH, IS OFFERED TO INMATES FOR WHOM TRADITIONAL CORRECTIONAL METHODS HAVE FAILED. IT IS FELT THAT PROGRESSIVE PROGRAMS SUCH AS THIS HAVE NECESSITATED CHANGES IN THE CRIMINAL LAW. THE AUTHOR FEELS, HOWEVER, THAT THE SYSTEM IS UNABLE TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH THE FLOW OF CASES. HE SEES EXTREME INCONSISTENCY IN SENTENCING FROM STATE TO STATE, DISPARITY OF TREATMENT, OVERLAPPING OF FUNCTIONS, CONFLICTING BUDGETARY DEMANDS, AND GENERAL INEFFICIENCY. THE AUTHOR COMMENTS ON POORLY DESIGNED AND OPERATING TREATMENT RESEARCH. AN EDITORIAL NOTE COMPARES THIS TYPE OF RESEARCH WITH A LONG TERM RESEARCH PROJECT IN ENGLAND AND ONE IN DENMARK. BIBLIOGRAPHY.