NCJ Number
143093
Date Published
1991
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper presents some of the key findings and conclusions of the British working party that examined current psychological service to lifers, implications for psychologists of recent policy changes and proposals for lifer sentence planning, and ways of conducting the assessment and treatment of lifers.
Abstract
A survey questionnaire was sent to all corrections units responsible for the management of lifers. A 100- percent response was obtained. The survey questions were designed to permit calculation of a standardized measure of level of psychological services for lifers. This took the form of the equivalent number of full-time psychologists dedicated to lifer work for every 100 lifers. The survey results indicate that there is a considerable amount of psychological work conducted with lifers; however, there are a number of lifer prisons without any psychological services; where such services exist, there is significant variability between institutions in terms of the level and type of services. Based on these findings, the working group concluded that work with lifers should be given appropriate priority by field psychology units; there should be a greater emphasis on treatment initiatives with lifers; and there should be improved coordination of psychologists' work with lifers throughout the lifer system. Recommendations are offered in the areas of organizational issues, clinical issues, and training issues.