Partners in Change: The 12-Step Referral Handbook for Probation, Parole and Community Corrections

• NCJ Number: 182559
• Author(s): Edward M. Read
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 194 pages
• Sale Source: American Correctional Assoc
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This book guides probation and parole officers in maximizing the effectiveness of community support group referrals, overcoming offender objections, and assessing compliance and progress by educating corrections professionals in the foundation, organization, and substance of 12-step support groups.

Abstract

Simply directing a client to attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) once a week is not enough. For many offenders, parole or probation officers will be responsible for their first introduction to the 12-step process. Most will be in some phase of denial, and many will be manipulative and resistant to the prospects of mandatory attendance. It is important for the corrections professionals who supervise offenders in the community to know the 12-step program, feel comfortable with the steps, and be able to discuss them intelligently with the offender. This book explains the 12 steps or "traditions" of AA and then reviews the companion community resources that can assist in the alcoholics recovery, notably Al-Anon. Al-Anon is AA's partner fellowship. The only requirement for membership in Al-Anon is that an important person in one's life is or was troubled by alcohol. The concept of detachment coupled with the phrase "letting go" are central themes that run throughout the Al-Anon program. This involves learning to avoid attempts to control the alcoholic, but to accept that the alcoholic owns the problem and must be the one to deal with it. Al-Anon encourages family members to work at changing their own attitudes so as to provide a healthier living environment for the entire family. This often helps the addict eventually recognize his/her problem and seek help. The final chapter encourages corrections professionals to seek a partnership with 12-step, self-help groups such as AA, Al-Anon, and Narcotics Anonymous, because they are the real "experts" on addiction and recovery. Appended compendium of mutual support groups, 21 suggested readings, and a subject index