NCJ Number
16675
Date Published
1975
Length
44 pages
Annotation
REPORT AND EVALUATION OF A PROGRAM IN WHICH PEOPLE FROM THE COMMUNITY SEEK TO ENTER INTO COMMUNICATION WITH INMATES AND FORMER INMATES TO FOSTER MUTUAL RESPECT, UNDERSTANDING, AND RESPECT.
Abstract
THE INTENDED RESULT OF THE PROGRAM IS TO ENHANCE IN EACH PERSON A FEELING OF SELFWORTH AS BASIC TO GROWTH TOWARD GREATER SOCIAL MATURITY, THEREBY CONTRIBUTING TO REHABILITATIVE OBJECTIVES. VOLUNTEERS FROM THE COMMUNITY INTERACT WITH INMATES IN VARIOUS INTEREST GROUPS WHOSE DISCUSSION CONTENT IS CONSIDERED NOT AS IMPORTANT AS THE QUALITY OF RELATIONSHIPS NURTURES IN THE GROUPS. RELATIONSHIPS ESTABLISHED WHILE PERSONS ARE IN PRISON CONTINUE AFTER DISCHARGE THROUGH INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP CONTACT. OFFENDER PARTICIPANTS CONSIST OF A DISPROPORTIONATELY LARGE NUMBER OF BLACKS, SEX OFFENDERS, AND GENERALLY HAVE A BETTER CHANCE FOR PAROLE. THE OVERALL RECIDIVISM AMONG MEN INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAM PROVED TO BE ABOUT 9 PERCENT LOWER THAN NORMALLY EXPECTED.