NCJ Number
61492
Journal
Prison Service Journal Issue: 29 NEW SERIES Dated: (JANUARY 1978) Pages: 1-3,17
Date Published
1978
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THE ARTICLE DISCUSSES THE HISTORY, ORGANIZATION, TREATMENT METHODS, AND FUTURE PLANS OF THE FELTHAM AND FINNAMORE WOOD BORSTAL, A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS WITH PHYSICAL OR MENTAL PROBLEMS.
Abstract
FELTHAM BEGAN AS AN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL IN 1854 AND WAS CONVERTED INTO A BORSTAL INSTITUTION IN 1910. ALTHOUGH NO PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES WERE OFFERED UNTIL THE 1960'S IT ACQUIRED THE REPUTATION AS A REPOSITORY FOR 'ODDBALL' CASES. AT THIS TIME OFFICIALS BEGAN TO EVALUATE THE INSTITUTION'S PURPOSES AND STRUCTURE AND INITIATE IMPROVEMENTS. THE ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION RELIES HEAVILY ON A CENTRAL SUPPORT TEAM, COMPOSED OF MANAGERS INVOLVED IN BOTH SECURITY AND REHABILITATION. THE TEAM APPROACH IS ALSO USED TO MANAGE EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT. FELTHAM IS COMPOSED OF FIVE CLOSED HOUSES WHICH SPECIALIZE IN MENTAL AND PHYSICAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS ADDICTION, EPILEPSY, PHYSICAL DISABILITIES, AND PERSONALITY DISORDERS. FINNAMORE WOOD, A SATELLITE CAMP ACQUIRED IN 1961, SERVES AS AN OPEN FACILITY FOR INMATES SERVING THEIR FINAL 2 OR 3 MONTHS. ALTHOUGH THE INSTITUTION'S MEANS OF TREATING THE WIDE RANGE OF ITS INMATES' PROBLEMS ARE LIMITED, IT DOES OFFER AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM, SOCIAL SKILLS COURSE, CLASSES IN COOKING AND OTHER EVERYDAY TASKS, AND A REMEDIAL GYMNASIUM. FUTURE PLANS INCLUDE NEW BUILDINGS WHICH WILL INCREASE ITS CAPACITY AND FACILITATE TREATMENT. THE NEED FOR INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS FELTHAM WILL PROBABLY CONTINUE TO EXIST, AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS DEPENDS ON CONSTANT MONITORING. (MJW)