VII. Disassociated Offenders

Service Tools:

Treating disassociated offenders is challenging for two reasons. First, a disassociated offender lacks the family and community support system vital for a sustained change in his behavior. Second, staff is left without a network of collateral contacts to gather information about the offender's behavior and to cultivate as natural supporters and reinforcers of positive changes in his behavior.

A common way of assisting disassociated offenders is attempting to overcome these obstacles and increase their bonds in the community. This can be accomplished through engaging offenders in group therapy, assigning them mentors, or by any action that exposes them to others. The presence of other issues, including substance abuse, often requires additional interventions and services that fit individual offenders.