NCJ Number
152834
Journal
Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Review & CCI News Volume: 2 Issue: 2-3 Dated: (1994) Pages: 6-8
Date Published
1994
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the available empirical research on the cost-effectiveness and rehabilitation potential of intermediate sanctions, specifically boot camps and shock incarceration programs.
Abstract
While insufficient data has been generated to fully evaluate most programs, the evidence does suggest that electronic monitoring and intensive probation supervision may be effective in rehabilitating juvenile offenders; juvenile boot camps are a likely, and politically acceptable, approach to reducing recidivism rates. In terms of the effectiveness of adult correctional programs, the data suggest that boot camps may be cost-effective and may slightly reduce adult offender recidivism rates. Studies have clearly demonstrated that appropriate drug treatment programs, whether operated within prisons, residential centers, or in outpatient facilities, lead to measurable benefits. The most effective approach seems to be cognitive-behavioral therapy combined with drug urine testing. Both house arrest and intensive supervision programs (IPS) have shown little effect or even negative effects in reducing recidivism among offenders. IPS programs show a significant cost-savings only when applied to less serious offenders; the authors conclude that the public would be best served if more serious offenders completed their prison sentences and were then placed on regular probation. 23 references