NCJ Number
101777
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 50 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1986) Pages: 8-16
Date Published
1986
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article describes a strategy for privatizing prison treatment programs.
Abstract
The proposal assumes that rehabilitation is a legitimate function of imprisonment and that the private sector can often accomplish tasks more effectively than the public sector. Private vendors would be paid to provide either a broad range of services or a specific service, including psychological counseling, educational programs, work-related training, and prison industries. The contract with private vendors should specify performance or outcome standards. Payments and contract renewal should depend on satisfactory levels of service delivery. The effectiveness of private versus current treatment programs should be evaluated under current funding levels. The major advantage of privatizing inmate treatment programs is the elimination of the potentially corrupting link between custody< and treatment. Possible disadvantages are resistance from corrections employees, a decline in the quality of services or the use of unethical practices to increase profits, and States' emphasis on cheaper services at the expense of quality. 73 references.