NCJ Number
84901
Date Published
1969
Length
19 pages
Annotation
In assessing the services of community corrections agents, three issues are especially pertinent: conflict in goals, professionalization, and the inadequacy of relying solely on individual treatment.
Abstract
The lack of clarity of correctional goals impedes the adaptation of research methodology and computer technology to the assessment of goals achievement. Without a conceptual framework from which to deduce socially sanctioned, operationally defined objectives, the techniques of assessment are worthless. The following are principles derived from an analysis of the professionalization of community correctional services: (1) professionalization occurs in relation to growth in size and complexity of the agency; (2) professionalization results in resistance to change by the correction agency from forces outside the correction system; and (3) the recipients of corrections services tend to become dependent on the 'professional' definition of their problems and the resultant intervention activities. An impressive body of knowledge has been developed which shows the ineffectiveness and inappropriateness of traditional one-to-one casework activities with deviants, which has led to the positing of a new goal: the reintegration of the community and the offender; however, the problems associated with broadening service objectives to include the community are probably greater than those associated with individual treatment, primarily achieved through the relationship of the correction agent and the offender. The most realistic objectives for community corrections are (1) helping the offender to define his/her situation, (2) helping the offender to seek help according to the problems identified, and (3) making connections between the offender and community services or organizations relevant to the problems identified. Ten footnotes are listed.