NCJ Number
80171
Date Published
1981
Length
328 pages
Annotation
Using a case study approach, this book investigates the impact of Canadian community correctional programs on the larger correctional system and on corrections in the Saskatchewan Province in particular. These programs seek to integrate or reintegrate offenders into their communities.
Abstract
The text reviews the history of community correctional programs in Canada and analyzes their development in the context of the total criminal justice system. Although community programs are increasing, this form of corrections does not appear to be taking precedence over institutionalization. Rather it provides an alternative, thus allowing the corrections system to accommodate more offenders. The text addresses the effect of community corrections on the offender through a case study of the Saskatchewan Community Training (CTR) program. The study entailed a survey of 138 offenders in 5 community-based residential centers and employed a measure of program impact based on the concept of 'social integration.' Macroscopic analysis indicated that organizational determinants are important for understanding how new correctional practices emerge and are maintained. In Saskatchewan, the nature and extent of community programming were closely linked to criminal justice practices within the province. The study also investigated the usefulness of social integration scales in evaluating the effectiveness of community corrections programs in reintegrating offenders. (Traditional research strategies have not embodied changes in correctional philosophy regarding resocializing the offender through community correctional programs.) Microscopic analysis shows that the social integration scales were useful in assessing some community correctional programs. The measures distinguished among types of social integration, types of offenders, and the five CTR's. Charts, tables, and graphs are included. An index, over 200 references, and additional tables are appended.