Examined disciplinary problems of inmates who were properly matched with the institution's level according to the Security Designation and Custody Classification system. Data from files of 342 male inmates showed matched inmates received no disciplinary reports and appeared to adjust more effectively than inmates who were not matched. (JAC)

This report examines 10 years of data analyzing the effectiveness of correctional boot camps in reducing the likelihood that inmates will commit another crime after release from prison and reducing prison populations and costs. Each boot camp studied had a different design, and each study used a different method to evaluate the program. Results…

Describes how indeterminate sentencing creates unique adaptations on the part of inmates, creating different kinds of difficulties for the staff. Questions whether this type of sentencing facilitates rehabilitation any more than traditional mandatory sentencing. (JAC)

Considers the problems in using recidivism as a single--or even major--standard for the evaluation of a criminal sanctioning system, not only because of its tie to the problematic goal of rehabilitation, but because of the inadequacy of any single criterion of effectiveness. (Author/RK)

Describes the San Luis Obispo County Jail Treatment program, which included crisis management, psychiatric services, substance abuse counseling, Graduate Equivalency Diploma preparation, vocation counseling, and postrelease counseling and referral. Data from 73 offenders indicated the approach was effective in lowering the immediate recidivism…

Investigated the effectiveness of a program to facilitate adjustment in 61 female inmates. Results showed subjects assigned to the support-only or psychodidactic intervention support group showed a greater level of adjustment than control subjects on depression and physical symptom measures, with no differences on anxiety and somatic complaint…

Examines perceptions among correctional officers, correctional staff, and women inmates of the most effective type of rehabilitative programs. Builds on an earlier paper focusing on women inmates' perceptions. Findings indicate that all three groups believed the majority of the programs currently offered to be either "Okay" or "Very…

Surveys of the nation's jail and prison populations suggest that about 75% have used illicit drugs at one time or another. Incidence rates for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cases among prison inmates is much higher in correctional systems than in the population as a whole. In this study an AIDS prevention and education program for…

Examines the sociological component of the urban community-based professional education programs at New York Theological Seminary offered at Sing-Sing Prison. Explores the simultaneous use of social theory and sacred texts as teaching tools and intervention strategies in the educational and personal transformation processes of men incarcerated for…

Describes guard-designed and implemented contingency-management work squad training program for administratively segregated prison inmates with histories of violent and assaultive behavior. Notes that participation in the work squad program sharply reduced frequency of violent and assaultive behavior for 8 of 10 offender-participants whose…

Using interviews, literature reviews, and prison visits, describes three prominent features that promote rehabilitation in one country's prisons: unique environmental conditions, extensive work and training programs, and frequent use of community reintegration programs. Attributes rehabilitation success to its high priority in correctional law and…

This paper reports on the development and current status of one of the two state-sponsored live-in nursery programs for women inmates in the U.S. Initial results have shown a decrease in misconduct reports by participating inmates and reduced recidivism by those who complete the program. (Author)

The General Accounting Office studied the Texas correctional educational system and identified the following strengths: (1) the prison-school district concept, (2) inmates help design the curriculum, and (3) apprenticeship training agreements. (LRA)

Subjects diagnosed "extremely dangerous" and given psychological treatment during placement in an institution for adjudicated juvenile delinquents (N=44) were followed after release. Findings regarding recidivism, crime, and violence are reported. Prediction of future violence is discussed; the effectiveness of psychological intervention…

Previous research has found that 80 percent of all adults incarcerated for felonies either had regularly used illegal drugs or abused alcohol, been convicted of a drug or alcohol violation, were under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol at the time of their crime, committed a crime to support their habit, or exhibited some combination of these…