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Waymart. Inmates attend a morning meeting, then have 1 - 2 groups a day depending on
what phase they are in. Two nights a week, inmates have evenhg meetings until 7:OO p.m
According to inmates, treatment groups dealt mainly with “personal issues,” although some of the
issues they mentioned appeared to address relapse prevention, co-dependency, and interpersonal
relationships. The TC counselors were unanimously well liked and well regarded. However,
several spoke of little peer support on the Unit, and inmates complained that TC residents rarely
confronted one another about treatment-related issues. Several complained that treatment
activities were aequent and characterized by a low level of participation. Some inmates
(particularly in Phase 3 and 4) complained that they had too little to do. Some inmates stated that
they would like more privacy. Since they live in a dormitory-like setting, they have little time to
a
themselves for personal reflection, homework, or reading.
Program Differences: Conclusions
While the five programs consistently implemented the overall TC philosophy and
fiamework, some differences in TC implementation were apparent. Graterford was somewhat
more punitive than the other TC programs, as suggested by its higher attrition rate. Huntingdon
inmates appeared to be engaged in the treatment and recovery process to a somewhat greater
degree than the other programs. Treatment duration at Cresson was longer than in the other TC
programs. Waymart TC residents tended to be slightly lower risk, and program intensity was
somewhat lower. Houtzdale inmates evidenced the lowest satisfaction overall with the TC.
Although several spoke well of their counselors, the general perception was that individual
counseling was infrequent, and too many inmates were able to manipulate the treatment
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This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has not
been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.