An evaluation of the employment criterion for excusing individual participation in guided group interaction counseling sessions

Abstract

This study was undertaken at the Farrell Sub-Office of the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole at Farrell, Pennsylvania. The Guided Group Interaction counseling technique is used there as a casework tool for aiding in the rehabilitation of its clientele: probationers and parolees. The purported goal of this counseling technique is twofold: to reduce the recidivism rates of clients and to aid them in their adjustment to society. Attendance at these counseling sessions is mandatory except for those probationers and parolees who have employment scheduling conflicts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the exclusionary employment criterion mentioned above, in order to determine if it had an affect on recidivism and societal adjustment rates. An ex post facto research model was utilized and two groups were compared which differed in one respect only: attendance and non attendance at Guided Group Interaction counseling sessions. The results of this study were such that the above mentioned exclusionary practice was not found to have had a significant affect on recidivism and societal adjustment rates. Therefore, this exclusionary practice was supported.