Discusses the development of a training needs assessment instrument for mental health professionals working in corrections, along with the results of the assessment. Provides differences between perceived needs for training and self-expressed knowledge of training topics and areas among various professional personnel, and provides recommendations…

Compared self-images of 20 delinquent punk rockers and 20 delinquent nonpunk rockers. Results revealed no significant differences between the groups, suggesting that even though punk rockers may look and act unusual, they may actually be similar to other groups. Findings did suggest that there may be differences between groups in terms of family…

Analyzes the impact of an administrative effort to increase the educational attainment of correctional officers employed in a medium-security facility department of corrections. Educational attainment is found to be negatively associated with correctional officer job satisfaction when other variables are held constant. (Author/CH)

To meet the expanding demand for comprehensive, relevant training for correctional personnel, programs to train staff trainers have been developed. The feasiblity of expanding the "train the trainer" process to include supervisory staff is explored. Preliminary findings on a comparison of training by a supervisor and a certified trainer are…

Presents and discusses a conceptual model of the concerns of prerelease offenders and community supervisors. The conceptualization suggests that "perceptual differences" of the concerns of prerelease status is one alternative for examining the supervisorial relationship. Attempts to identify and confront the different expectations of supervisors…

Describes case study approach that developed a profile of incarcerated Mexican nationals in a Federal Bureau of Prisons correctional facility as intelligent, complex, highly motivated, and resourceful. Examines Mexican inmates' social and cultural adaptation to prison and suggests that institutional staff be trained to recognize life essence of…

Describes geology teaching in a penal institution, considering class offerings, teaching structure, teaching schedule, security, cheating, student characteristics, women prisoners in geology classes, and outside field trips. Sample laboratory schedule is included. (JN)

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…

A rationale for using field trips to correctional institutions in an abnormal psychology class is presented. Also discussed are reasons why, over the years, student interest in these field trips has declined. (RM)

Describes a coeducational sex education program for 15 adolescents in a juvenile detention facility. Subjects completed Hudson's Index of Self-Esteem and a knowledge/attitude test. Results indicated improved knowledge and attitudes about sexuality, contraception and venereal disease, as well as improved self-esteem. (JAC)

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…

Ohio's program, now in its third year, of enrolling prisoners in external college courses is described. About 12,000 men and women are enrolled, with as many as 25 percent qualified for college work. (LBH)

In many urban centers, responding to mentally ill people has become a large part of the police peacekeeping function. This article highlights the police role in handling mentally ill persons. Law enforcement options are discussed, including both formal and informal options. It is noted that officers decisions to hospitalize, arrest, or deal with a…

The over-representation of minorities, especially African Americans, in U.S. prisons has received much attention in recent years, but the disproportionate representation of minorities is not limited to adult prisons. It is also found among youth confined in secure juvenile facilities. Because of inconsistencies in the collection and reporting of…

How do communities begin to address the issue of youth with disabilities who become involved with correctional systems? This brief provides information on proactive solutions based on restorative justice and wrap-around services, models, and strategies. This topic is receiving more attention as research has begun supporting a critical need for…