Retarded Offenders - Habilitative Program Development (From Retarded Offender, P 272-297, 1982, Miles B Santamour and Patricia S Watson, ed. - See NCJ-88305)

• NCJ Number: 88315
• Author(s): M B Santamour; B West
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 24 pages
• Sale Source: Praeger Publishers
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Tools that may be used in the implementation of habilitative programs for retarded offenders include conferences, daily living activities, vocational development and job placement, academic training, and counseling, together with prolonged support and guidance programs.

Abstract

Habilitation is defined as the process of locating the level of the retarded person's knowledge and skills and the development of a plan that proceeds from that particular level toward higher levels of independence. It is a process that involves the pooling of resources and personnel in an effort to enhance the person's physical, mental, social, vocational, and economic condition to the fullest and most useful extent. Testing is important in determining the person's current level of performance and need, and conferences among professionals are necessary to develop an individualized, comprehensive habilitation program for the retarded person. An important component of any habilitation program is the part designed to provide a greater understanding of the basic skills of personal hygiene, social interaction, and familiarity with the larger social structure. Vocational development and job placement enable a mentally retarded person to become more independent by becoming qualified to enter some income producing field. Academic training should be made available, along with group and individual counseling, medical services, speech and language development, and physical and occupational therapy. Scheduling daily activities and maintaining records on each client are important aspects of any habilitative program.