Classification for Treatment (From Prediction and Classification: Criminal Justice Decision Making, P 293-322, 1987, Don M. Gottfredson and Michael Tonry, eds. -- See NCJ-116250)

• NCJ Number: 116258
• Author(s): L Sechrest
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 30 pages
• Sale Source: University of Chicago Press
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This essay on inmate classification for the purposes of rehabilitation argues that most systems do not adequately match classification goals with treatment objectives and identifies benefits of problem-oriented classification schemes.

Abstract

Several classifications that have implications for treatment programs are reviewed, including offense behavior, psychiatric/psychodynamic, I-level system, Megargee classification, and Quay's adult typology. General characteristics of treatment classification are discussed, with attention to how such systems are developed and features that make them implementable, dependable, and stable. The article then describes how offenders, once classified, are matched with the appropriate treatment regime. An overview of problem-oriented systems emphasizes their flexibility for coping with offenders' changing needs throughout their incarceration. Concluding that corrections agencies are far from integrating classification systems and treatment programs, the article calls for much additional research. Approximately 60 references. (Author abstract modified)