OVERVIEW OF GROUP COUNSELING IN THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (FROM CORRECTIONAL CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT - A READER, 1975, BY LEONARD J HIPPCHEN - SEE NCJ-32007)

• NCJ Number: 49132
• Author(s): R M HARRISON
• Date Published: 1975
• Length: 9 pages
• Corporate Author: Anderson Publishing Co
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THE DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF GROUP COUNSELING IN THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS DURING THE DECADE PRECEDING 1975 ARE REPORTED AND DISCUSSED.

Abstract

GROUP COUNSELING, AS USED IN THE CALIFORNIA CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM, REFERS TO A SMALL GROUP OF 7 TO 15 INMATES OR PAROLEES, WHO REGULARLY MEET WITH CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS, VOCATIONAL AND ACADEMIC TEACHERS, JOB FOREMEN, AND PAROLE AGENTS TO DISCUSS LIFE PROBLEMS, FEELINGS, AND GOALS. AT THE TIME OF THIS REPORT'S WRITING, APPROXIMATELY 12,000 INMATES AND 800 EMPLOYEES ARE INVOLVED IN THE GROUP COUNSELING PROGRAM. GROUP COUNSELING IN AN INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT IS INTENDED TO INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OTHER ESSENTIAL INSTITUTIONAL FUNCTIONS AND PROGRAMS SUCH AS CUSTODY, WORK, EDUCATION, AND RELIGIOUS SERVICES. A MULTI-PHASED RESEARCH EFFORT TO EVALUATE GROUP COUNSELING SUGGESTS THAT WHEN IT IS CONDUCTED ACCORDING TO ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES, IT IMPROVES INMATE ATTITUDES, REDUCES DISCIPLINARY DIFFICULTIES, IMPROVES WORK PRODUCTION, AND CONTRIBUTES TO STAFF DEVELOPMENT IN INTERACTION WITH INMATES. RESULTS FROM SPECIFIC EVALUATION RESEARCH ARE REPORTED. (RCB)