The literature provides limited, constructive, consensus-based information to correctional officials and administrators on the efficacy of prison-based programs. This study reports an analysis of 8 review government documents, that surveyed the research literature from 1980-2008, on the topic of educational rehabilitation programs available to…

This paper examines schooling inside a youth prison. We draw on interview and observation data from a study of a youth prison school to understand the practices and tensions of schooling in a juvenile incarceration facility. We describe the processes of schooling in the facility with an eye towards understanding both the conditions of learning and…

Clients' self concepts and dissociative experiences were examined to determine the impact of an Adlerian based pretrial diversion program. Clients completing the program displayed a significant change in self concepts and dissociative experiences. A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance indicated a 35% change, made up of the…

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)

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…

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…

In the late 1990s, California legislators funded a statewide, community-based correctional program intended to reduce parolee recidivism. Overseen by the California Department of Corrections, the Preventing Parolee Crime Program (PPCP) provided literacy training, employment services, housing assistance, and substance abuse treatment to tens of…

For the past dozen years the author has been teaching, along with other volunteers, in a program called "Changing Lives Through Literature," serving the Dorchester District Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Changing Lives began as a single experiment in New Bedford in 1991 and has spread entirely by word of mouth to a dozen…

Attempted to develop comprehensive criteria to measure social adjustment of parolees who had participated in a work-training release program, using a small sample of women parolees. This program seemed rather successful in terms of return to prison, but data left a number of questions unanswered about measures of recidivism. (Author)

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.…

In October 1999, National Treatment Accountability for Safer Communities (TASC), in cooperation with the Office of Justice Programs, Drug Courts Program Office and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, developed and distributed a questionnaire designed to describe substance abuse…

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.…

Examines a program with typical failure rates for chronic drunk driver treatment, and identifies factors associated with client success. Results indicate that socioeconomic status, criminality, and time-at-risk predict client success following treatment. Staff prognosis, maturity, child abuse, and other conditions do not predict success. (RJM)

Prison Fellowship Ministries' church and community based Transition of Prisoners (TOP) program in Detroit is examined. TOP mobilizes, trains, and equips primarily African-American churches and volunteers to assist ex-offenders to successfully reintegrate into their community. Preliminary outcome data suggest that participation in TOP reduces need…