A Need for Offender Programs and Treatments Before Release - Research Proposal Example

The issue of offender programs and their effectiveness has been contentious for a long time. This paper will seek to asses the need for offender programs and treatments before release. The main focus will be on The Alabama Department of Corrections. With information obtained from the National institute of Justice, analysis of how these programs can be effective will be done. The study will assess the hypothesis that offender Programs and Treatments before Release can be effective in reducing the cases of recidivism. The current study will be carried out using descriptive, cross-sectional survey design. The study will utilize questionnaire and interviews in the effort to obtain information from offenders and correctional facility officers. Introduction It is apparent that the issue of offender programs and their effectiveness has been contentious for a long time, especially in relation to their effectiveness. Apparently, this has been a concern because of the effects they have on offenders in terms of their behavior modification. Although offender programs are designed to correct behaviors of offenders, there is a need to have an effort to change their behavious. This can be enhanced during and after they have been released from correction facilities. Problem statement The Alabama Department of Corrections operates 29 facilities within the state. Currently, the facility hosts around 13, 200 offenders (The Alabama Department of Corrections, 2012). Pre release and reentry programs are the major programs offered by the Alabama Department of Corrections. Among other things, these programs aim at providing transitional case management services. The main focus on such services includes identifying inmate basic and technical needs, which aims at linking the offender with resources prior to his release (Gaines & Miller, 2011). On the side of reentry programs, the program aims at providing an opportunity for offenders to gain basic living skills in relation to their transition back to the community. As part of correctional measures, these objectives can be termed as appropriate in ensuring that the offenders have a successful reentry process (National Justice of Justice, 2012). However, it is apparent that although these programs facilitate a smooth transition, there is a need to have programs that focus on treatment of the offenders before their release. In light with this, the Alabama Department of Corrections ought to have also prioritized on this objective and incorporate it with other objectives in place. Studies have documented that there are several reasons why people commit crime. Although many researches have paid much attention on social economic factors that contribute to crime, it is apparent that among other issues, psychological and mental factors highly contribute to the rate of crime in most states (Cressey, 1965). In this regard, the need to have treatment programs before the release is indispensable. For example, those inmates incarcerated for drug related crimes and drug addiction may highly benefit from treatment programs before the release. These programs can be argued to be inline with the definition of correctional facilities/programs. When a drug addict who was incarcerated for committing a crime due to the influence of drugs is taken to prison and released after serving his jail term without being subjected to treatment programs, it is apparent that the offender may repeat the same crime (La Vigne, et al., 2006). Treatment programs may be developed in relation to three theoretical frameworks: behaviorism theory, cognitive theory, and social learning theory (Agnew, Brezina, Wright & Cullen, 2002). Behaviorism theory tends to explain how, for example, a drug addict indulges in drugs and tend to offer the best solution to their problems. Cognitive theory can be employed in treatment programs by using it model of providing new ways of thinking and putting to practice new skills and how to adapt to problem coping, feelings, and behaviors that are effective. In light with this, Cognitive Behavioral Treatment aims to assist those individuals who engage in defective thinking, therefore, leading to behavioral and emotional disturbances. Social learning theory can also be incorporated in treatment programs since it illustrates the importance of socialization and effects of cognitive processes in creating behavior. This is arguably true because, for example, drug addicts and other criminals are what they are because of the way they attend to daily challenges (May, 2008). Proposed treatment programs before release could include, firstly the psychotherapy therapeutic approach. This approach can be used by the counselors to influence conscious thought and behavior. The approach aims at instilling cognitive techniques like reverting negative thoughts, anxiety, problem solving and general behavioral techniques (Agnew, Brezina, Wright & Cullen, 2002). This can be termed as the primary approach that can help offenders even after their release from the correctional facility. Supportive-expressive psychotherapy- The therapy has two main components: Supportive techniques that help offender to feel comfortable in discussing their personal experiences and expressive techniques that help the offender to identify and work through interpersonal relationship issues. This approach aims at helping the offender to shaping their behaviors as they shun away from criminal activities (Agnew, Brezina, Wright & Cullen, 2002). For example, in relation to drug offenders, a particular consideration is needed in order to evaluate feelings, behaviours, and how the offender can be helped to solve problems resulting from drugs. Motivational enhancement therapy- this is a client-centered therapy technique for initiate developing change by assisting clients to resolve doubts about engaging in treatment and shunning away from crime (Agnew, Brezina, Wright & Cullen, 2002). Objectives To assess the need for offender programs and treatment before release To evaluate the effectiveness of the current correctional programs To determine the effectiveness of offender programs and treatment before release Hypothesis Offender Programs and Treatments before Release can be effective in reducing the cases of recidivism Offender Programs and Treatments before Release can not be effective reducing the cases of recidivism Conceptual framework With many deliberations on the effectiveness of treatment programs before release, it is apparent that several variables can be applied in elucidating their effectiveness. The following analysis gives an overview of how the programs can be utilized for behavior modification. Independent variables Dependent variables (Source: researcher generated diagram) Prelease and reentry programs It is apparent that prelease and reentry programs play a big part in ensuring that offenders are adequately prepared to rejoin their families and that they have good co-existence with the community. However, apart from offering social and economic assistance, there is a need to broaden the spectrum in order to also offer behavioral change assistance. Programs As discussed earlier, treatment programs such as psychotherapy therapeutic approach, supportive-expressive psychotherapy, and motivational enhancement therapy can be of help in the bid to modify offenders’ behaviors. Implementation methods However, these programs can not be effective without resources, personnel, and experience. These are crucial in ensuring that the programs are not only efficient but also effective. For example, having motivational enhancement therapy program in place without counselors to effect it can not yield any results. Aftercare services In order to maintain the instilled behavior to offenders, it is critical that some follow up programs be put in place in order to keep the fire burning. Ex-offenders need continued support which can be well articulated on by designing family support programs, community support programs, and support groups programs. Methodology The current study will be carried out using descriptive, cross-sectional survey design. The design will involve collecting data on a sample of respondents who will be selected to represent offenders/ex-offenders and correctional facilities officers. The study will target the Alabama Department of Corrections. In collecting data, the study will use stratified random sampling. In an attempt to gather empirical evidence for the purpose of gaining insights about the need for offender programs and treatment before release, the study will need to have first hand information which will be accessed through the use of questionnaires and interviews. After data collection, editing, coding of similar themes, classification and tabulation of the data will be essential for efficient analysis. Descriptive and inferential analysis will be employed to measure and determine the relationship that exists among the variables. References Agnew, R., Brezina, T., Wright, J.P., & Cullen, F.T. (2002). Strain, personality traits, and delinquency: Extending general strain theory. Criminology, 40(1), 43-73. Cressey, D. R. (1965). Social psychological foundations for using criminals in the rehabilitation of criminals. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 2(2), 49-59. Gaines, L. & Miller, R. (2011). Criminal justice in action. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Pub. Co. La Vigne, G. et al. (2006). Prisoner Reentry and Community Policing: Strategies for Enhancing Public Safety. Washington: Urban Institute. May, C. (2008). Corrections and the criminal justice system. Udbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett Pub. National Institute of Justice. Corrections. Retrieved on 27th Oct 2012 from: http://www.nij.gov/topics/corrections/welcome.htm#inmate-programs The Alabama Department of Corrections. Reentry. Retrieved on 27th Oct 2012 from: http://www.doc.state.al.us/reentry.asp Read More