NCJ Number
15858
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (JUNE 1974) Pages: 139-149
Date Published
1974
Length
11 pages
Annotation
ASSESSES THE DIFFICULTIES OF IMPLEMENTING A CORRECTIONAL REHABILITATION MODEL THAT DEVELOPS A SENSE OF THE POWER TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE FROM WITHIN THE SOCIAL SYSTEM OF ONE'S ENVIRONMENT.
Abstract
THE TRADITIONAL PATTERN OF REHAVILITATION WHICH EMPHASIZES CONDITIONING OFFENDERS TO CONFORM TO THE DOMINANT SOCIOECONOMIC NORMS IS CONSIDERED AN INADEQUATE REHABILITATIVE GOAL. THE REHABILITATIVE MODEL PROPOSED EMPHASIZES AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE CLIENTS' LIVES ON THE BASIS OF THEM BECOMING MORE EFFECTIVE, SELF-SUFFICIENT, SELF-ACTUALIZING, SOCIALLY AWARE AND INVOLVED INDIVIDUALS. IT IS CONSIDERED THAT SUCH A PROGRAM WOULD FULFILL ITSELF BY CULTIVATING IN INMATES THE RESPONSIBLE EXERCISE OF POWER FOR BENEFICIAL CHANGES IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. THE NEWGATE COLLEGE EDUCATION PROJECTS INTRODUCED AT FIVE INSTITUTIONS BETWEEN 1967 AND 1969 ARE DISCUSSED AS ATTEMPTS TO IMPLEMENT THE FAVORED REHABILITATIVE MODEL. THE HOSTILE REACTIONS OF CORRECTIONAL STAFF TO STRONG REFORM EFFORTS BY INMATES UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF PROJECT STAFF ARE CITED AS THE PRINCIPAL CAUSE OF PROJECT FAILURE. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT REFORM PROGRAMS THAT CHALLENGE THE EXISTING PRISON SYSTEM SHOULD HAVE STRONG, VIGOROUS SUPPORT FROM A POWERFUL ORGANIZATION OUTSIDE THE PRISON NETWORK. A LARGE STATE UNIVERSITY IS SUGGESTED AS A LIKELY CANDIDATE.