NCJ Number
117585
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1989) Pages: 166-182
Date Published
1989
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Conditions under which successful implementation of rehabilitation programs occurred were examined in this study by identifying public officials' support for rehabilitation, exploring a strategy to implement effective programs, and suggesting an alternative guide for implementation under suboptimal circumstances.
Abstract
Public officials' support for rehabilitation was identified for the study by surveying Indiana lawmakers in the Fall of 1986. The survey data revealed little opposition to rehabilitation. But a disparity existed between official support and the realities of correctional bureaucracy in which administrators focused on their budgets, the maintenance of law and order, and the task of managing their staff. The study suggested a model for effective implementation by shifting the focus from reduced recidivism to inmate assimilation. The model advocated experimental projects that challenged administrators especially when funded by external forces, and the use of a legislator, reporter, professional organization or concerned citizen as a "fixer" to support the program with materials, money, training or media exposure. The model program required set goals, implementation with the help of a group leader, a selected sample of inmates, a set of rules, and numerical measures for evaluation. The study concluded that effective implementation of rehabilitation programs depended on the motivation of correctional staff. Chart, note and 54 references. (Publisher abstract modified)