Capable of Correction - Documentation About the Institutional Treatment Upon the Occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Henri van der Hoeven Clinic in Utrecht

• NCJ Number: 88887
• Author(s): A C deGooijer
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 141 pages
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

The book describes the treatment and mentality of psychologically disturbed offenders who have been placed in special treatment facilities by Dutch courts.

Abstract

The book briefly sketches types of psychologically disturbed offenders and the circumstances in which the crimes were committed, notably family disturbances and isolation. The historical circumstances leading to foundation of a special treatment facility, the Van der Hoeven Kliniek, are detailed. Particular emphasis is placed on recognition of the need for humane treatment to rehabilitate rather than to punish the mentally disturbed. The role of judges in determining offenders' dangerousness and recidivism potential is defined. Particular attention is devoted to the relationship between the judge's attitude toward psychiatric background reports and sentencing decisions. The author shows the main characteristics of three patients' mental state and their attitudes toward treatment: impatience and dissatisfaction coupled with recognition of an opportunity to overcome their sense of isolation and lack of contact with reality. Also described are the clinic's facilities, history, treatment approach, staff, daily routine, education and training programs, religious facilities, and general philosophy. The descriptive sections are interspersed with case studies illustrating treatment goals.