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Abstract: 

In working with offenders, corrections historically has adopted strategies that have leaned toward punishment and threats of consequences for offender noncompliance. These strategies were at times popular with the public and policymakers because people wanted to be seen as “tough on crime.” Over the years in community corrections, it has become painstakingly clear that we, as service/treatment providers, have no real power/control over offenders other than temporary authority. When staff have felt entitled to exert their will over offenders, however, the result has been push-back and no-win situations riddled with conflict. Years of research in working with offenders have shown convincingly that client-centered, skill-based strategies work. These strategies take any perceived control by the staff and place the “baton of responsibility” in the offenders’ hands.

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Affiliations:  1: Alvis House, Inc..