NCJ Number
86412
Journal
Research Bulletin Issue: 14 Dated: (1982) Pages: 34-37
Date Published
1982
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the philosophy and programs of England's experimental day training centers (DTC's), designed for equipping habitual petty offenders to cope normatively in society, and future plans for the use of the centers are indicated.
Abstract
DTC's were established under the British Criminal Justice Act of 1972 to offer intensive supervision and a program of social and remedial education for offenders over the age of 17 who might otherwise receive a custodial sentence. The centers are primarily for persistent petty offenders deemed to need personal development, vocational preparation, and social skills to cope successfully with the complexities and demands of modern life. The four experimental centers have the following course content: (1) therapeutic, involving both expressive and analytic activities, with the latter using discussion groups to examine the motivations and problems of individuals and their social behavior; (2) practical, involving woodwork, electrical work, gardening, decorating, wall building, upholstering, and, in three centers, community work; and (3) remedial education. In an evaluation of the centers, DTC probation officers viewed their respective centers positively, and the majority of ex-trainees felt they had benefited from training. Between 7 percent and 20 percent of trainees reoffended during the 60 days of attendance, and 1-year reconviction rates varied between 40 and 65 percent. On the basis of a cost-effectiveness analysis, the case for extending the experiment was not strong. It is anticipated that the DTC's will be converted into day activity centers requiring more limited facilities and fewer staff in less expensive premises. Treatment will be less intensive and not geared to a particular type of offender. Five references are listed.