This study identifies positive psychology concepts and interventions in an offender rehabilitation program in South Africa. The concepts and interventions are cross-referenced to the literature and are found to conform to the principles of the good lives-desistance model (Laws & Ward, 2011). The study uses inductive thematic analysis (Braun…

Rehabilitation of offenders is, at present, an important focus among many correctional departments. A substantial body of international research literature now exists to guide the design and development of new programs that aim to reduce re-offending. However, successful implementation of these programs has been challenging for many correctional…

Discusses the application of the "what works" approach to the rehabilitation of indigenous Australian offenders. Those from indigenous cultures may not share the theoretical assumptions that underpin this approach, calling into question the appropriateness of these rehabilitation programs. Presents options for understanding cultural…

Examines recidivism among 792 graduates of Arkansas' only boot camp. Results indicate that the primary predictors of recidivism were the type of offenses (drugs vs. others), race, and infractions while in boot camp. However, none of the predictors accounted for more than minor proportions of the variance in recidivism. (RJM)

Examines the effectiveness of Colorado's Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime (TASC) program in reducing recidivism rates. Two studies were conducted to investigate parolees' (N=536) return to prison. Results did not demonstrate the effectiveness of TASC: TASC participants did not have a lower recidivism when compared to nonparticipants. (RJM)

Reviews research on the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program relevant to the treatment and prevention of criminal behavior and substance abuse. Incarcerated offenders show rapid positive changes in risk factors associated with criminal behavior, including anxiety, aggression, hostility, moral judgment, in-prison rule infractions, and substance…

In light of President Bush's enthusiastic support and numerous initiatives, there is a growing call to fund "faith-based" social service programs, including those focused on juvenile and adult offenders. These programs are controversial because they seek to reconfigure the line separating church and state. Based on a national 2001 survey of 327…

Analyzed 320 case records, interviewed offenders and staff, and made general observations to evaluate a nonresidential, anti-incarceration facility. Results indicate that successful graduates have the least serious criminal records, most have positive attitudes toward the facility, and participants receive much individual attention. Other findings…

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…

Examines the experiences of participants in a wilderness camp program. Findings reveal that the 10 adolescents and police officers participating expressed similar goals, citing freedom, physical, and career goals as most important. Both groups wanted to improve their image and also improve relationships between young people and the police. (RJM)

Reports the evaluation of a 15-week parent education program in a state prison for women. Results indicate a positive increase in self-esteem and significant positive changes in parenting attitudes. Participants claimed that the program helped them improve interactions with their children on visitation and in their communication through letters.…

Discusses the formal system of juvenile corrections in one country and describes several correctional facilities in this system. Also presents another system of justice in the country and the influence of traditional sociocultural values on the operation of both correctional practices for juveniles. (RJM)

Compares youths' perceptions of confinement, feelings of restriction and the impact of these perceptions on youth's reaction to educational and rehabilitative programs they received. Testing of youth in two different countries showed that perceptions were related to their attitudes toward, and reactions to, these programs, although some…

In this paper we offer an overview of reintegration policies in both Australia and New Zealand. We describe the rehabilitative practices of both countries, and their basis in the Risk-Needs-Responsivity model of offender rehabilitation, before outlining the recently developed Good Lives Model of offender rehabilitation. Our conclusion is that the…

An evaluation is presented of "Changing Lives Through Literature," a program designed as an alternative to jail. The study followed up the first 32 men to complete the program and compared them to a matched group of 40 probationers. Reconviction rate was favorable. Interview information and other influences on recidivism are considered.…