Costs and Outcomes of a Work Ethic Camp: How Do They Compare to a Traditional Prison Facility?

• NCJ Number: 212825
• Journal: Corrections Compendium Volume: 30 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2005 Pages: 1-5,28,30
• Author(s): Kurt D. Siedschlaw; Beth A. Wiersma
• Date Published: November 2005
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reports on the component of the evaluation of Nebraska's Work Ethic Camp that measured the costs and outcomes of the camp compared to a population of offenders sentenced to a traditional prison facility.

Abstract

The initial results of the examination of the costs and relative success of individuals who completed the Work Ethic Camp showed a significant potential cost savings compared to traditional prison sanctions; however, outcome measures were necessarily limited, in that the offenders first released from the camp had been under supervision in the community for less than 1 year. It is premature to make any valid comparisons between the recidivism rates of those offenders who completed the Work Ethic Camp and offenders who were released from a traditional prison facility; however, initial indications are that there is potential for significant cost savings without a significant increase in risk to the community, provided clientele are carefully screened and the program is operated effectively. Intended for first-time, nonviolent felony offenders, the aim of the Work Ethic Camp is to change thinking and behavioral patterns related to criminal conduct. Treatment components include cognitive-behavioral therapy, academic and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, physical training, group involvement, and family dynamics. The evaluation of the camp was conducted from February 2003 to May 2004. The money spent on camp participants was determined by comparing the average length of stay at the camp with the average length of stay of offenders sent to prison, along with the per diem cost for each of the two types of disposition. The postrelease performance of the offenders was assessed through the use of State criminal history files. Of the original 272 offenders admitted to the camp program, 222 completed the program and were released to intensive supervision in the community. 5 tables and 27 references