NCJ Number
40152
Journal
OFFENDER REHABILITATION Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (FALL 1976) Pages: 45-55
Date Published
1976
Length
11 pages
Annotation
A DESCRIPTION OF THE CALIFORNIA CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION (CCI) SOCIAL COMPETENCE TRAINING (SCT) PROGRAM, WHICH TEACHES INMATES METHODS OF OBTAINING SELF CONTROL, SOCIAL COMPETENCE, CONFLICT MANAGEMENT, AND MOTIVATION.
Abstract
IN ITS PRESENT FORM, THE SCT IS A COMPOSITE, VOLUNTARY PROGRAM OF INSTRUCTION AND GROUP TREATMENT. IT STRIVES TO WORK OUT SOCIAL DIFFICULTIES OF INDIVIDUAL INMATES, AS WELL AS MODERATE THE OVERALL SOCIAL SITUATION AT THE INSTITUTION, AND IS CONCERNED WITH THE BEHAVIOR OF BOTH STAFF AND INMATES. THE PROGRAM CONSISTS OF TWO PARTS: INSTRUCTION IN SOCIAL SKILLS AND SELF MANAGEMENT AND NORMATIVE REDIRECTION FOR INMATES; AND COURSES, LECTURES, AND GROUP WORK FOR CORRECTIONAL STAFF. THE MAIN GOALS OF THE PROJECT IS TO PROMOTE COMPETITIVE, SELF-DETERMINED AND PRO-SOCIAL BEHAVIOR. ITS FOCUS IS ON OVERT BEHAVIORS RATHER THAN ATTITUDES OR INSIGHTS. A TYPICAL SCT GROUP CONSISTS OF TWO GROUP CO-LEADERS, 8 TO 10 MALE INMATE MEMBERS, AND A MALE INMATE TECHNICIAN. ALL OUTCOME MEASURES INDICATE THAT THE SCT PROGRAM HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL; RECORDED DATA AND GROUP LEADERS' REPORTS SHOW THAT BETWEEN 70 AND 80 PERCENT OF PARTICIPANTS HAVE ACHIEVED TREATMENT GOALS. INMATES' IMPROVEMENT IN SOCIAL SKILLS AND THEIR FUNCTIONAL ADJUSTMENT TO INSTITUTIONAL LIFE HAVE ALSO BEEN NOTED BY CORRECTIONAL STAFF. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)