NCJ Number
134032
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 17 Issue: 1/2 Dated: (1991) Pages: 147-158
Date Published
1991
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The recidivism rate of a sample of 99 first-time shoplifters who completed a diversion program in Lexington, Kentucky was compared with three other groups of shoplifters: those who entered the program but did not complete it; those who were not admitted to the program; and a random sample of shoplifters arrested prior to the start of the diversion program. Diversion program participants were required to make weekly contact with the County Attorney's office, complete 60 hours of community service, and attend a psycho-educational group which introduced the concept of Rational Behavior Therapy and taught participants to apply that concept to their daily lives.
Abstract
The results of this evaluation showed that the diversion program was successful in reducing recidivism rates among shoplifters from about 25 percent in all 3 comparison groups to 4 percent among program participants. One reason why the diversion program was successful is because prior offenders and persons judged to be poor risks were not admitted to the program. In addition, offenders not willing to participate in the psycho-educational intervention or community service were able to screen themselves out of the program. The diversion program was also successful because participants found the program to be personally beneficial. The program's success was due to the provision of a non-threatening environment where participants could learn how to recognize their emotions and irrational ideas. 2 tables and 14 references