NCJ Number
13736
Journal
Social Work Volume: 19 Issue: 3 Dated: (MAY 1974) Pages: 313-318
Date Published
1974
Length
6 pages
Annotation
DESCRIPTION OF A PROGRAM INITIATED BY THE MINNESOTA RESTITUTION CENTER AT MINNEAPOLIS TO DEAL WITH OFFENDERS WHO COMMIT CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY.
Abstract
THE CENTER IS A COMMUNITY - BASED RESIDENTIAL CORRECTIONAL FACILITY OPERATED BY THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS. THE PROGRAM, WHICH RANDOMLY SELECTS ADULT MALE INMATES RECENTLY COMMITTED TO THE MINNESOTA STATE PRISON FOR CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY AND OFFERS THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO NEGOTIATE A 'RESTITUTION CONTRACT', IS DISCUSSED. RESTITUTION HERE REFERS TO PAYMENT IN EITHER GOODS, SERVICES OR MONEY MADE BY OFFENDERS TO THE VICTIMS OF THEIR CRIMES. OUTLINED ARE THE CRITERIA FOR INMATE SELECTION, FORMULATION OF THE CONTRACT, THE PROGRAM AT THE CENTER AND THE BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM. THE AUTHORS CONSIDER THIS AN INNOVATIVE PROGRAM SINCE IT DEVELOPS A CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE OFFENDER AND HIS VICTIM, DIVERTS OFFENDERS FROM THE PRISON SETTING, CARRIES OUT RESEARCH (THROUGH USE OF A CONTROL GROUP), AND IS ACCOUNTABLE TO THE LARGER PUBLIC (THROUGH A COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD).