CLIENT GENDER AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF JAIL-BASED THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Using a structured observation methodology, the researchers examined the degree to which the content of a set of therapeutic community (TC) programs for jail detainees varied based on the gender of the participants. The observation technique allowed the researchers to examine the theoretical orientation of the program, the therapeutic tools used in the treatment programs, and the content of individual sessions. The four programs had mixed success in providing gender-specific services as suggested by previous research on the treatment needs of women. While the implementation of these four programs did vary according to client gender, these variations did not always represent the delivery of appropriate gender-specific treatment. Overall, men's treatment sessions focused on motivation building and relapse prevention, and women's meetings focused on aftercare planning and spirituality. Furthermore, the sessions for males used more structured therapeutic techniques, while the females' meetings were less structured. The authors suggest that a more comprehensive therapeutic approach, combining pro-social value reinforcement and specific skill development, might be more successful in addressing the multiple and complex needs facing women in residential substance abuse treatment, as identified in previous research.