NCJ Number
12596
Journal
American Journal of Psychiatry Volume: 131 Issue: 1 Dated: (JANUARY 1974) Pages: 64-68
Date Published
1974
Length
5 pages
Annotation
PROGRESS REPORT ON A COUNTY REHABILITATION PROGRAM IN WHICH ADULT OFFENDERS MAY WORK, STUDY, OR TRAIN WITHIN COMMUNITY WHILE LIVING IN A THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT.
Abstract
ELLSWORTH HOUSE, IN DOWNTOWN SAN MATEO (CA.), IS ADMINISTERED BY COUNTY PROBATION PERSONNEL AND HAS THE CAPACITY TO HOUSE 20 MEN, AGE 18 AND OVER, SENTENCED TO JAIL TERMS OF FOUR MONTHS OR MORE. THE HOUSE PROVIDES A REHABILITATIVE ATMOSPHERE IN WHICH RESIDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ACCEPT INCREASED RESPONSIBILITY BOTH TO THEMSELVES AND THEIR PERSONAL ENDEAVORS AS WELL AS TO THEIR FELLOW RESIDENTS. THEY IN TURN RECEIVE AND LEARN TO HANDLE ADDITIONAL PRIVILEGES. AN ELECTED RESIDENT COUNCIL PARTICIPATES WITH THE STAFF IN PROGRAM DECISION-MAKING AND IMPOSES DISCIPLINE ON FELLOW RESIDENTS WHO EXHIBIT ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR, THUS ALTERING, IN MANY CASES FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE RESIDENTS' PERCEPTION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIETY AND OFFENDER. A COMPARISON STUDY BETWEEN ELLSWORTH HOUSE RELEASEES AND REGULAR JAIL SYSTEM RELEASEES SHOWED THE ELLSWORTH MEN TO HAVE A SLIGHTLY HIGHER RECIDIVISM RATE BUT CONSIDERABLY HIGHER RATES OF EMPLOYMENT. THE ELLSWORTH PROGRAM'S THREE PHASES OF REHABILITATION ARE DISCUSSED, AS ARE THE MODIFICATIONS MADE TO THE PROGRAM TO REDUCE RECIDIVISM.