NCJ Number
181568
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 43 Issue: 3 Dated: September 1999 Pages: 308-321
Date Published
September 1999
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Interviews with five young male ex-offenders ages 13-19 in Hong Kong sought to determine how these offenders perceived the advantages and disadvantages of treatment programs for them.
Abstract
The study resulted from recognition that research evaluation of rehabilitation programs has had minimal contribution or participation from the ex-offenders on whom the studies focus. The present research gathered information by means of in-depth, qualitative interviews that lasted an average of 2 hours each. Results revealed that some of the youthful offenders reported that their residential experience was a fruitful way to enable them to grow out of crime and to cause them to re-evaluate relationships with their families, although loss of freedom, the pains of detention, and doing time were the result of being incarcerated. None of the offenders had been reconvicted; most were determined to stop committing crimes due to fear of being imprisoned again. Findings suggested the need for a more humane and therapeutic environment in residential treatment institutions and for programs conducted by social workers to help inmates understand the consequences of offending and review their criminal careers. Findings also indicated areas needing further research and policy review. Table and 41 references (Author abstract modified)