Therapeutic community treatment programming in corrections

Abstract

This paper contrasts the American TC model with that of the United Kingdom, presents an overview and history from 1965 to the present of Therapeutic Community (TC) treatment as applied in the United States particularly to drug using offenders, and it details findings from five scientifically sound studies that this kind of treatment during custody for incarcerated drug using offenders is effective in reducing drug abuse and recidivism. A final section presents the therapeutic principles derived from North American TC research and practice conducive to altering addict-offender lifestyles and improving the likelihood of a positive outcome.