When Examining The Historical Context Of Treatment In A Cour

When Examining The Historical Context Of Treatment In A Correctional S

When examining the historical context of treatment in a correctional setting, it must be seen through both domestic and international viewpoints. Under the domestic view, the United States primarily uses a custodial model, which focuses on using incapacitation as the method of retribution and deterrence. In contrast, the international view, specifically in Europe, uses the rehabilitation model. This model focuses on rehabilitating the person to become a productive member of society. In this assignment, compare and contrast the models of corrections from the perspectives of the United States and the United Kingdom.

In this paper, explain which model you think provides the best treatment. Using the library, course materials, textbook, and Web resources, research the custodial model of incarceration of the United States and the rehabilitation model of the United Kingdom. Address the following in a Word document of 2–3 pages: How are these 2 models similar? How are these 2 models different? Which model do you feel is more effective at reducing the rate of recidivism?

Do you believe that both countries should adopt the same model of incarceration? Compile your findings and responses pertaining to the above information into a Word document of 2–3 pages, and submit the file to your instructor.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The history of correctional treatment models reveals distinct philosophies and practices that reflect broader societal values and policy priorities. The United States predominantly employs a custodial model rooted in punishment and incapacitation, while the United Kingdom emphasizes a rehabilitation-centered approach aimed at reintegration. Understanding these models' similarities and differences offers insight into their effectiveness and potential for international adaptation.

The Custodial Model in the United States

The custodial model has been the dominant correctional philosophy in the United States for much of the 20th century. This approach emphasizes strict control, discipline, and confinement as means to achieve justice and public safety. The primary goals are incapacitation—removing offenders from society to prevent further crimes—and deterrence, discouraging potential offenders through the threat of punishment (Clear, 2007). Facilities under this model tend to be prison-based, hierarchical, and security-focused, often prioritizing order over rehabilitation (Clemmer, 1940).

In practice, the US custodial approach has resulted in significant issues, notably the high incarceration rate that has led to overcrowded prisons and elevated recidivism rates (Carson, 2021). Critics argue that this model neglects the root causes of criminal behavior, leading to cycles of reoffending. Nonetheless, it remains entrenched in the legal and political systems, with a focus on punishment as a reflection of societal values about justice.

The Rehabilitation Model in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has historically implemented a rehabilitation-focused correctional philosophy, particularly from the mid-20th century onward. This model aims to transform offenders into law-abiding, productive members of society through education, therapy, and skill development programs (Dempsey & Forst, 2016). The UK emphasizes alternatives to incarceration, such as community service and probation, seeking to address the social and psychological factors contributing to criminal behavior (Ministry of Justice, 2018).

This approach reflects a broader social understanding that crime results from complex causes, including poverty, addiction, and mental health issues. Consequently, rehabilitation involves tailored programs designed to reduce offenders’ likelihood to reoffend, focusing on reintegration rather than punishment alone. Empirical studies indicate that UK correctional programs generally result in lower recidivism rates compared to purely custodial systems (Home Office, 2020).

Similarities and Differences between the Models

Both correctional models aim to reduce harm and improve societal safety, but they differ significantly in philosophy and implementation. A key similarity is that both seek to protect society—either through incapacitation or rehabilitation. They also utilize correctional facilities, though to differing extents and with divergent goals.

The primary differences lie in their core philosophies: the custodial model prioritizes control and punishment, often ignoring social reintegration, while the rehabilitation model emphasizes therapy, education, and social support systems. In practice, this results in contrasting policies: the US favors incarceration as a primary response, whereas the UK favors community-based interventions and programs aimed at reform.

Effectiveness in Reducing Recidivism

When evaluating effectiveness, evidence suggests that rehabilitation models tend to produce lower recidivism rates, especially when comprehensive, individualized programs are employed (Lipsey & Cullen, 2007). The UK’s emphasis on reintegration and social support correlates with a recidivism rate estimated at around 30-40%, substantially lower than typical figures for the US, which often range between 50-60% (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2019). This indicates that rehabilitative approaches may better address the root causes of criminal behavior, fostering behavior change and reducing reoffending.

However, the success of either model depends on implementation fidelity and societal context. The US’s punitive policies, coupled with resource constraints, undermine potential rehabilitative efforts. Conversely, the UK’s investment in social services enhances the likelihood of successful reintegration, reducing repeat offending.

Should Both Countries Adopt the Same Model?

Considering the evidence, it appears advantageous for the US to incorporate more rehabilitative elements into its correctional system, aiming to blend the strengths of both approaches. Conversely, the UK could benefit from maintaining its social support focus while ensuring strict accountability for severe crimes. A uniform model may not be ideal given different societal structures, legal traditions, and resource levels.

Instead, a hybrid approach tailored to each country's context—emphasizing rehabilitation in the UK and integrating rehabilitative practices with some aspects of incapacitation in the US—may offer the most balanced, effective strategy for reducing recidivism and promoting justice.

Conclusion

The contrasting correctional models in the United States and the United Kingdom exemplify differing philosophies—punishment versus rehabilitation—that influence policies and outcomes. Evidence suggests that rehabilitation-oriented approaches tend to be more effective in decreasing recidivism, advocating for a shift in US correctional strategies. While adopting a common model universally may not be practical, adopting best practices from both systems can improve correctional outcomes globally, emphasizing social reintegration and reducing reoffending.

References

• Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2019). Recidivism of prisoners released in 30 states in 2012: A 5-year follow-up. U.S. Department of Justice.
• Clemmer, G. L. (1940). The prison community. Rinehart.
• Clear, T. R. (2007). Imprisoning communities: How mass incarceration makes neighborhoods smaller and halls greater. Oxford University Press.
• Carson, E. A. (2021). Prisoners in 2020. U.S. Department of Justice.
• Dempsey, M., & Forst, R. (2016). An introduction to policing. Cengage Learning.
• Home Office. (2020). Probation and rehabilitation outcomes. UK Government Publications.
• Lipsey, M. W., & Cullen, F. T. (2007). The effectiveness of correctional rehabilitation: A review of systematic reviews. Annual Review of Psychology, 58, 133-164.
• Ministry of Justice. (2018). Adult criminal justice statistics 2018. UK Government.