NCJ Number
30632
Journal
Corrective and Social Psychiatry and Journal of Behavior Technology Methods and Therapy Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: (OCTOBER 1975) Pages: 7-10
Date Published
1975
Length
4 pages
Annotation
NEW YORK CITY'S THREE MONTH DEFERRED SENTENCE GROUP PROGRAM ALLOWS SELECTED DEFENDANTS TO AVOID INCARCERATION OR PROBATION BY DEMONSTRATING THEIR ABILITY TO FUNCTION IN SOCIETY THROUGH SELF-CHOSEN PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITIES.
Abstract
THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROGRAM REQUIRES THE PARTICIPANT TO SUBMIT A WRITTEN APPRAISAL OF HIS BEHAVIOR, FOLLOWED BY A WRITTEN CONTRACT OF BEHAVIOR CHANGE. THESE ARE SHARED WITH THE GROUP, WHICH IS LED BY A PROBATION OFFICER. THE GROUP HELPS TO TRANSLATE THIS CONTRACT INTO A SET OF SPECIFIC GOALS, AND THE PEER SELF-HELP PHASE BEGINS. TOWARD THE END OF THREE MONTHS, THE GROUP BEGINS TO CONCENTRATE ON HOW THE INDIVIDUAL CAN CONTINUE TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS AFTER LEAVING THE PROGRAM. FINALLY, ANY INDIVIDUALS IN THE GROUP MAY ELECT TO CONTINUE TO MEET VOLUNTARILY, WITHOUT THE LEADERSHIP OF A PROBATION OFFICER. THE DEGREE OF CHOICE, AS WELL AS THE ROLE OF PEERS, IS SAID TO LESSEN THE INDIVIDUAL'S RESENTMENT.