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ABSTRACT
The current cross-sectional, descriptive study utilized services data to examine the characteristics, treatment, and postrelease outcomes of 226 male (64.6%) and female (35.4%) youths in therapeutic communities (TCs) housed within three secure-care facilities in one Southern state. The results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that approximately 21% of the variance in amount of TC services received was predicted by demographic, psychosocial, and institutional variables. Girls received less TC treatment than boys, and participants with disciplinary tickets received more treatment than those without tickets. The binary logistic regression model distinguished between youths who were and were not placed under supervision upon release, with relevant predictors explaining about 40% of the variance. Implications for practice and research with youths in institution-based TCs are discussed.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Catherine M. Lemieux, Ph.D., was supported by U.S. Department of Justice Grant #N-97-8-02-001 made to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE) and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DOC). The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of these organizations. The authors acknowledge the LCLE for using grant monies to address the treatment needs of boys and girls in confinement. The authors also thank Suzanne Sharp, James Bueche, and Whalen Gibbs of the DOC, who provided oversight and guidance to ensure the ongoing success of the project. The authors are especially grateful for the cooperation of Dr. Monica Morris, Dan Williams, and Trent Lewis, the TC program directors. This research would not have been possible without the assistance of Dr. Cecile Guin, Leah Courville, Ariana Wall, and Marieanne Hebert of the Louisiana State University, School of Social Work, Office of Social Service Research and Development. The authors would also like to thank Thomas Cannon, McKenzie Gauthier, and Dr. Tim Dyeson for their assistance with data collection and analysis.