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and Camacho, 1997), and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (1998) Triad program illustrate the
potential of prison-based therapeutic communities. We briefly summarize these major studies of
prison-based TC below, and then identifjr gaps in our current knowledge to date.
The Amity Prison TC Program
The Amity Prison TC program is located at the R.J. Donovan facility near San Diego, a
medium-security facility housing approximately 4,000 men. Eligible inmates must have a history
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of drug abuse, demonstrate evidence of institutional participation (or absence of in-prison assaults
or weapon possession within the past 5 years and sex-related offenses in prison within the past 10
years), have no history of child molestation or mental illness, and be within 9 to 15 months of
release on parole (Office of National Drug Control Policy, 1996). Like many prison-based TC’s,
the Amity TC was modeled after New York’s Stay’n Out Program by Amity, Inc. to fit a
correctional setting. Inmates are housed in a 200-man residential unit separate &om other inmates,
although they eat in a common dining room and participate in activities with other inmates who
live in the same yard.
Inmates move through three phases of treatment in the 12-month program. The fist
phase consists of orientation, diagnosis, and an assimilation process. In the second phase, lasting 5
to 6 months, inmates are expected to take on increased responsibility and involvement in the
program. Those who have been in the program longer are expected to share their insights by
teaching new members and assisting in the day-to-day operation of the TC. Encounter groups and
counseling sessions focus on self-discipline, self-worth, self-awareness, respect for authority, and
acceptance of guidance for problem areas. Seminars take on a more intellectual approach. Debate
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is encouraged as a means of self-expression. During the third phase, community reentry, which
lasts 1 to 3 months, inmates strengthen planning and decision-making skills and design their
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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.