NCJ Number
83686
Date Published
1982
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The positive-peer-culture methodology of group therapy used at Minnesota's Northeast Regional Corrections Center (NERCC), a residential treatment facility, is desired, along with the evaluation methodology.
Abstract
About 300 adult male misdemeanants and first-conviction felons are placed at NERCC each year. Clients, most between the ages of 18 and 24, are placed at NERCC by the county courts as an alternative to jail or prison. Clients are divided into groups with a maximum of 10 members, and the group members spend virtually all of their time together, so that members can get to know one another quickly and intimately. The group process is designed to develop a high trust level between staff and residents. This has served to practically eliminate traditional problems such as drugs, intimidation, assault, and institutional homosexuality. The basic philosophy of the program is expressed in the following statements: (1) you are your brother's keeper; (2) people can and will change if given the opportunity; (3) everyone wants to feel good about themselves; (4) everyone wants help whether or not they admit it; (5) first help another and when you feel good about that, get help for yourself; (6) if you didn't need help, you wouldn't be here; (7) you can only help, not hurt; (8) problems are healthy; (9) insight alone doesn't change a person's behavior; and (10) it is okay to care for another person and to show it. The evaluation of the program which is underway involves a quasiexperimental design and recidivism as the dependent variable. Comparison groups will be drawn from probation groups and other incarcerated groups. Two notes are provided.