Compare and contrast three forms of correctional treatment, including a discussion of the effectiveness of each treatment

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Almost every prison facility uses some mode of treatment in either group or individual form for inmates that focuses on therapy, educational, or vocational programs. Prison inmates typically suffer from a variety of cognitive and psychosocial deficits such as poor emotional control, social skills, and interpersonal problem solving. Anger and lack of self-control have been linked to violent criminal behavior both in the institution and upon release. Anger management programs are a form of group therapy that is most often offered in prison settings. Combined with other group techniques such as drug treatment and sex offender treatment, they frequently and successfully help inmates find ways to control their anger and impulses. Additionally, research has demonstrated that inmates involved in religious programs and education do better following release than those in comparison groups. Despite the premise, these programs are less concerned with the study of religious texts and instead are more involved in secular activities such as helping clients gain skills or training, building support networks, and creating a supportive relationship between staff, volunteers, and clients. Faith-based programs seem to work better with those inmates that enter such programs with feelings of self-worth and confidence. Finally, most prisons have programs designed to help inmates suffering from alcohol and substance abuse. Recent data suggest that about 30 percent of all inmates are provided with some form of these services. Unfortunately, treating substance abusing offenders has proven difficult and programs have yielded mixed results.