NCJ Number
168216
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 24 Issue: 3/4 Dated: (1997) Pages: 163-181
Date Published
1997
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Quantitative and qualitative analyses were used to study the Fortune Society, a nonresidential, nonprofit alternative to incarceration located in New York City and funded by the State, city, and Federal governments, and private contributions.
Abstract
The study covered the years from 1991 to 1994. Information was collected from 320 case records, interviews with offenders and the staff, and observation of the facility. The program provides services that include individual and group counseling, drug and AIDS counseling and treatment, parenting skills training, career counseling, tutoring and GED programs, general orientation sessions, and others. The successful graduates had the least serious criminal records. Most had positive attitudes toward the Fortune Society. Each offender received a great deal of individual attention. Employment, motivation, cooperation, and attendance were important for acceptance. Finally, no tight rules existed either for acceptance or for success. Findings indicated the need for more funding, outreach programs to reduce some of Fortune's workload, and more programs for females and serious offenders. Tables and 8 references (Author abstract modified)