NCJ Number
79502
Date Published
Unknown
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This report reviews previous and existing inmate-sponsored juvenile counseling programs and provides a statistical profile of inmates participating in one such program, called 'Reach Out,' located at a Massachusetts correctional institution.
Abstract
The methods and effectiveness of juvenile counseling programs are reported. Data for the participant profile were gathered on 129 inmates who had participated in the Reach Out program in 1975 through mid-1979. The data include prior criminal history, personal history, and furlough history. The criminal and personal history data include complete booking and probation information for each resident participant prior to the person's initial participation in Reach Out. A statistical breakdown by variable for the sample is appended. Data presented in the participant profile were compared to similar data available on residents of the Massachusetts correctional institution on January 1, 1979. Analysis of the data revealed several differences between the two populations. For example, the Reach Out participants exhibited a disproportionately greater number of prior incarcerations, paroles, and parole violations of any type. Analysis of the data reflecting present offense determined that the Reach Out participants tended to be older and more likely than the comparison population to be incarcerated for offenses against the person, specifically for armed robbery. Overall findings indicate that the results of these projects have not been encouraging and that implementation of similar programs be conducted with caution. Footnotes are included. (Author abstract modified)