NCJ Number
147337
Journal
Revija za Kriminalistiko in Kriminologijo Volume: 43 Issue: 1 Dated: (1992) Pages: 3-12
Date Published
1992
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Following a discussion of inmate-treatment concepts in western democracies since World War II, this article traces the development of such concepts in Slovenia during the same period.
Abstract
Criminology as a discipline was established in Slovenia in the 1950's and 1960's. Then it adopted the ideas of the defence sociale movement and trusted in the capabilities of professional therapists. It also embraced the critiques of total institutions that appeared in the 1960's. The courts consequently attempted to use imprisonment sparingly. In spite of the increasing crime rate, the number of prison sentences has declined in Slovenia. From the 1970's onward, the theorists, professionals, and practitioners have pleaded for a modification of the social climate in correctional institutions through the use of group work. Although attorneys and psychologists have had disagreements in Slovenia over treatment ideology, the author believes the debate has stemmed from the failure to define treatment ideology. Individual and group counseling does not undermine prisoners' rights anymore than it endangers the freedom of those who seek therapy outside of institutions. Group counseling helps to undermine the negative prison subculture and foster a more humane atmosphere in institutions. The author rejects militaristic training and harsh discipline as ineffective treatment methods since they do not foster long- term cultural values. 35 references (Publisher abstract modified)