Optimal Timing for Group Therapy in the Criminal Justice System

Abstract If rehabilitation is the goal of the criminal justice system, where in that process is a group therapy intervention most appropriate? Group therapy is described as an appropriate and effective vehicle for learning and maintaining prosocial behavior. Inmate characteristics, group approaches in prison, and member templates are some of the significant variables studied, Outcome measures and studies indicate that: participation in group therapy in prison may result in inmate adaptation to prison conditions which negatively impacts upon subsequent adaptation to free society. It is proposed that structured, intensive group therapy be initiated as the inmate prepares to leave the prison system.