What Are the Effects of Treatment Programs and How Do These Programs Assist the Rate of Recidivism
What are the effects of treatment programs and how do these programs assist the rate of recidivism?
According to Steadman and Naples (2005), 11.4 million people are booked within the United States prison system annually and of that, it is estimated that seven percent have been diagnosed with a serious mental disorder as well. Treatment programs have been previously scrutinized however; studies have shown that relapses and recommitting of criminal acts by substance abusers is common during the first 90 days after prison release (Hiller, Knight, & Simpson, 1999). Therefore, treatment programs in accordance with aftercare can successfully lead to a decrease in reusing illicit drugs or substance abuse. In order to reduce the rate of recidivism, programs have been created within public and private operated prison systems that are aimed at particular offenses or for offenders such as sex offenders, violent criminals, and drug and alcohol abusers. In order to asses an offenders need for these treatment programs psychologist, social workers, and prison staff are all involved.
Hiller (1999), suggest that the main type of treatment program adapted within the United States prison system is the “In-prison Therapeutic Community”. This particular program sole intent is to house prisoners receiving treatment for drug and alcohol abuse separately from the general population throughout the prison. According to Hiller (1999), this programs foremost goal or function is to operate differently by adhering to stricter treatment protocols enhanced values and beliefs and to increase the functionality of the staff. They should also have shorter treatment durations and give emphasis to “self-help recovery and relapse prevention.” Hiller (2009), states that drugs and crimes are interrelated and that within the United States, over 68% of new arrestees test positive for illegal drugs; as the levels of illicit drug use increase as does the percentage of drug distribution and other
According to Steadman and Naples (2005), 11.4 million people are booked within the United States prison system annually and of that, it is estimated that seven percent have been diagnosed with a serious mental disorder as well. Treatment programs have been previously scrutinized however; studies have shown that relapses and recommitting of criminal acts by substance abusers is common during the first 90 days after prison release (Hiller, Knight, & Simpson, 1999). Therefore, treatment programs in accordance with aftercare can successfully lead to a decrease in reusing illicit drugs or substance abuse. In order to reduce the rate of recidivism, programs have been created within public and private operated prison systems that are aimed at particular offenses or for offenders such as sex offenders, violent criminals, and drug and alcohol abusers. In order to asses an offenders need for these treatment programs psychologist, social workers, and prison staff are all involved.
Hiller (1999), suggest that the main type of treatment program adapted within the United States prison system is the “In-prison Therapeutic Community”. This particular program sole intent is to house prisoners receiving treatment for drug and alcohol abuse separately from the general population throughout the prison. According to Hiller (1999), this programs foremost goal or function is to operate differently by adhering to stricter treatment protocols enhanced values and beliefs and to increase the functionality of the staff. They should also have shorter treatment durations and give emphasis to “self-help recovery and relapse prevention.” Hiller (2009), states that drugs and crimes are interrelated and that within the United States, over 68% of new arrestees test positive for illegal drugs; as the levels of illicit drug use increase as does the percentage of drug distribution and other
References: Fleisher, M.S., & Decker, S.H. (2001). An overview of the challenge of prison gangs December 4, 2009, from Criminal Justice Periodicals. Hiller, M., Knight, K., & Simpson, D treatment, residential aftercare and recidivism. Addiction, 94(6), 833-842. Retrieved December 4, 2009. Seiter, R.P. (2001). Winning a battle of wills: Correctional administrators and prison gangs December 4, 2009, from Criminal Justice Periodicals. Steadman, H., & Naples, M 23(2), 163-170. Retrieved December 4, 2009.