An assessment of factors related to recidivism among adult ex-offenders residing in a community-based residential centre in St. John's, Newfoundland

Carlson, Terry Maxwell (1984) An assessment of factors related to recidivism among adult ex-offenders residing in a community-based residential centre in St. John's, Newfoundland. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This quantitative-descriptive study reports data on ex-offenders who resided at a community-based residential centre (CRC) in St. John's, Newfoundland. This study, the first formal research about correctional treatment programs in Newfoundland, describes background characteristics and program factors related to recidivism over a two year follow-up period. -- The study sample was composed of 172 males who stayed at Howard House between April, 1977 and May, 1981. Parolees and mandatory supervision cases under the jurisdiction of the Correctional Service of Canada (C.S.C.), and Temporary Absence (T.A. cases along with probationers referred through the provincial Department of Justice, comprised the sample. -- Data were collected from individual Howard House files and Finger Print Serves (FPS) records obtained through the Canadian Police Service Information Centre (CPSIC). Four study instruments were developed and used in this study: 1) The Program Participation Scale (PPS), 2) the Alcohol and/or Other Drug Problem Scale, 3) the Employment History Scale, and 4) the Family Support Scale. In regard to the PPS, two independent raters assessed Howard House files and rated program participation according to the criteria of the scale; and there was a 74% degree of congruence between their ratings. -- The study sample was composed of men who were primarily young, single, from rural Newfoundland, with generally poor educational backgrounds, and lacking in family support. Almost half had an observed alcohol problem, while more than half had been previously incarcerated. The large majority were employed (74.1%) or attending an educational institution (6.4%) while residing at Howard House. -- Eighty-two percent of those in the study sample successfully completed the Howard House program, which compares with other CRC study findings, while the reconviction rate of 32.6% after two years compares favourably with other Canadian recidivism studies. More specifically, the following variables were found to be significant and related to recidivism: 1) poor program participation, 2) the greater the number of occasions convicted two years prior to Howard House, 3) the greater the number of occasions convicted as an adult, 4) the shorter the period of time "on the street" without a conviction two years prior to Howard House, 5) previous incarcerations, 6) alcohol/drug problems, 7) poor family support, 8) property offender status, and 9) unemployed on the day of departure from Howard House. -- Implications of the study are directed toward: 1) understanding how certain factors can predict recidivism, 2) future research and, 3) program planning and treatment recommendations.

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