1998/12/16 by G. Roger Jarjoura, Susan T. Krumholz · 2 citations
Health Professions · Social Sciences · #Crime Patterns and Interventions #Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis #Homelessness and Social Issues
paper · doi:10.1300/j076v28n01_08
openalex publication_date 1998/12/16 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
This paper presents an evaluation of Changing Lives Through Literature, a program designed as an alternative to jail. The evaluation followed-up the first 32 men to complete the program as well as a matched comparison group of 40 probationers. Follow-up data indicate a reconviction rate of 18.75% in the study group, compared with 45% in the comparison group. In addition, information is presented from interviews with program participants. We consider the impact of the use of bibliotherapy, coupled with the provision of positive role models, on recidivism and the value of fitting such a program within a comprehensive system of punishments.