NCJ Number
111132
Date Published
1987
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study examined the characteristics, treatment, adjustment, and revocation rates of 54 parolees placed in residential programs in Massachusetts in 1985.
Abstract
Compared to the overall parole population, those released to residential programs presented a more serious profile in terms of both their needs and risk levels. They were more likely to have problems in the areas of drug and alcohol abuse, to be educationally disadvantaged, and to have had no prior prerelease experiences. They also had more prior commitments, prior parole failures, offenses aganst persons, and younger age at first commitment. Only 15 paroles actually completed the program; 25 abandoned the program, 3 transferred to another program, 1 remained in the program, and 8 were revoked. Treatment received in the program was almost invariably substance-abuse related. Overall recidivism rate for the programs was 61 percent, but was only 20 percent for those completing the program as compared with 77 percent for those not completing. Compared to noncompleters, program completers were more often white, slightly more formally educated, less substance abusing, had served slightly less time prior to parole, and slightly more likely to be person crime offenders. Completers spent an average of 3.6 months in the program. 2 data sheets and 9 references.