NCJ Number
108822
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 31 Issue: 3 Dated: (December 1987) Pages: 271-283
Date Published
1987
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article reports the results of a 3-year longitudinal study of 71 criminal offenders assigned to Dougherty county, Georgia's Criminal Alcoholic Program (CAP).
Abstract
The criminal histories of these offenders are compared 2 years before and after completing this judicial diversion program. Statistically, significant reductions in criminal behavior were observed between pre- and posttesting periods. The most significant reductions in criminal behavior were for traffic and alcohol-related offenses. Youthful felons experienced the greatest improvement in criminal behavior 2 years after entry into the CAP and were more successful in adapting to the community than older felons. Judicial treatment programs that surpass traditional forms of probated sentencing in punishment severity have received little attention in the correctional literature. Innovative diversion programs have relieved bloated numbers of inmates in State prisons, decreased the potential pool of community welfare recipients, and have integrated offenders into their respective communities. (Author abstract)