NCJ Number
79713
Date Published
1980
Length
93 pages
Annotation
This report evaluates the Florida Department of Corrections's Counseling and Social Services Program, which was designed to provide unified, coordinated, professionally guided counseling and social services to meet the needs of inmates in Florida correctional facilities.
Abstract
The program was initiated with a grant application in May 1974 and was designed to create an integrated unit to coordinate the activities of the traditional positions of psychiatrists, substance abuse counselors, correctional counselors, and vocational placement counselors. The evaluation focused on the program's administrative structure, program components, staffing, organization, and program services. Fourteen correctional institutions were visited during the course of the evaluation. Findings indicated that the program lacks adequately defined and standardized policies, reporting, and monitoring. The program's administrative structure at the headquarters of the Department of Corrections should be strengthened to deal with these problems. The single most important component of the program is the substance abuse program, since 70 percent to 80 percent of current inmates are in prison as a result of their involvement with drugs and/or alcohol. Provision of substance abuse counseling to the inmate population is a deterrent to both disruptive behavior on the inside and recidivism. The other program components which are crucial to a successful counseling and social services department are psychological services, psychiatric treatment, vocational counseling and placement, inmate orientation, and self-help and development. However, many institutions have no programs or only limited programs. Other recommendations are that formal job descriptions be developed for each position within the organization, that programs be organized to meet recommended organizational characteristics, and that several problem areas related to program services be addressed. Descriptions and findings for each institution, tables, and forms are provided.