Description of Classification and Program Needs of Kentucky Offenders

• NCJ Number: 79738
• Author(s): P R Reese; D Riggs
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 50 pages
• Corporate Author: Kentucky Dept of Justice
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; Kentucky Dept of Justice
• Publication Type: Statistics
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Classification and program needs of offenders admitted to Kentucky correctional institutions are presented.

Abstract

The primary means of data collection was the Multi-Method Assessment Instrument, which was developed to provide objective criteria for classifying inmates to maximum, medium, and minimum security levels, as well as identifying the programmatic and personal needs of inmates. The data, which were obtained primarily from 1978 and 1979 admissions, show that 96.2 percent of admissions were males, and 73 percent were white. The median age for males was 24 years, and for females, 26 years. Fifty-four percent of the males were single, whereas, 53 percent of the females were separated or divorced. About 56 percent of admissions were first offenders. Males and females were similar in probation and parole violations, escape patterns, and scores on dangerousness and violence. Caseworkers believe that females will have more difficulty adjusting to prison and will require closer supervision. Caseworkers' rating of security requirements corresponded with scores on a related scale. Sixty-seven percent of the offenders did not complete high school; 11 percent did not finish elementary school. Over a third of males and females have never been employed as long as 1 year on a job, and about one-third of offenders were unemployed at arrest. About half of the offenders held jobs requiring minimal education or training. Most offenders reported between 6 and 11 health problems. Level of stress corresponds with both number and type of health problems reported, and females usually exhibited a higher level of stress than males. Based on a simplified classification scheme, 21 percent were statutorily ineligible for minimum security; 16 percent were initially ineligible due to sentence length; and 63 percent could be considered for minimum security. Self-reported substance abuse was a significant problem for both male and female respondents. Tabular and graphic data are provided. (Author summary modified)