NCJ Number
213485
Date Published
2003
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This chapter explores the types of treatment, treatment efficacy, and special issues regarding the psychological treatment of offenders confined to forensic institutions.
Abstract
The psychological treatment of offenders within corrections facilities and forensic hospitals varies greatly but generally has the common goal of reducing recidivism. As such, the efficacy of treatment protocols for offenders has generally been measured in terms of recidivism rates. Community-based psychological treatment programs have shown the greatest potential for reducing recidivism among offenders however, it is often necessary to deliver psychological treatment to offenders housed within correctional institutions or forensic hospitals. Therapies within institutions can take place either within a group or individual setting; however, there are often limited numbers of qualified therapists on the staff of correctional institutions, making group therapy much more likely than individual counseling regardless of the particular needs of offenders. Treatment types can vary within institutions and generally include anger management, cognitive restructuring, substance abuse, and relapse prevention. Therapeutic communities can be established within institutions, with the goal of altering the values, attitudes, and beliefs of the offenders to bring them into line with the social, ethical, and moral values of society. While the therapeutic community model offers promising treatments, little research has evaluated the impact on recidivism of institution-based therapeutic communities. Finally, special issues that emerge when working with offenders in a prison setting are discussed and include the somewhat involuntary nature of institution-based treatment and the possible interference of prison administrators. References