NCJ Number
102246
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 66 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring-Summer 1986) Pages: complete issue
Editor(s)
W G Babcock
Date Published
1986
Length
91 pages
Annotation
Eight articles examine conceptual issues in the management of developmentally disabled offenders and describe programs for such offenders in Texas, Nebraska, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and California.
Abstract
The opening article considers reasons for the disproportionate number of mentally retarded inmates, treatment goals for them, and programming. The second article examines the problem of defining a developmentally disabled person, differing orientations and philosophies held by criminal justice and developmental disability service staff, and other systemic problems. Staff 'burnout' in working with such offenders is also considered. Another article identifies key issues in advocacy services for developmentally disabled offenders. Remaining articles describe programs for developmentally disabled and mentally retarded offenders. The Texas program involves identification, needs assessment, the use of sheltered units, habilitation, social support, security, and continuity of care. The Nebraska program emphasizes offender accountability, the least restrictive alternative, and normalization. The Massachusetts program provides pretrial and posttrial diversion for mentally retarded offenders, and the Pennsylvania program uses a probation officer and mental health worker as a team to supervise mentally retarded probationers and parolees. The California program uses a structured behavioral point system with developmentally disabled offenders in an institutional setting. For individual articles, see NCJ 102247-53. Chapter notes and references.