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Programmatic Variations
One rarely finds discussion of programmatic variations or their influence on treatment
outcomes in studies evaluating the effects of prison-based TC. This shortcoming, perhaps more
than any other, has limited our ability to discern the true impact of TC (Welsh et al., 2000; Welsh
and Zajac, 2001). We have attempted to provide some illustrative examples here, although a
sample of 5 programs can only go so far. Further research examining larger samples of TC
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programs, as well as inmates, is needed to properly isolate inmate and programmatic effects.
The strongest area of consistency across the five TC programs was in the high ratings that
inmates gave of counselor rapport and counselor competence. Each unit, while consistently
implementing the basic TC philosophy, also exhibited some programmatic variations.
Two of the five TC units were quite large (1 00+ inmates). Large TC units may make it
0 more dif€icult to foster positive peer interactions (ONDCP, 1999). At Waymart, the TC is
subdivided into two separate units. Houtzdale, on the other hand, has 124 inmates who all live on
the same unit. Proper supervision and monitoring of inmate behavior on the TC, including inmate
committees (e.g., “pull-ups”) may become more problematic on large units. Large TC programs,
according to voluntary guidelines formulated by Therapeutic Communities of America (ONDCP,
1999), should be subdivided into units no larger than 50-75 (ONDCP, 1999). St&g levels can
also affect treatment process. For example, inmates at two of the TC programs spoke well of their
counselors, but complained that there was too little time for individual counseling. All TC
programs should aspire to meet guidelines such as CP6 proposed by Therapeutic Communities of
America (ONDCP, 1999): “Participants are accountable to each other and the community on a
a
continuous basis, fostering a strong sense of responsibility for self and others” (ONDCP,
1999:Appendix B, p. 3).
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This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has not
been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.