can offer valuable advice and solutions. Often, if a peer proposes a solution it carries more weight than if the counselor were to suggest it (Bennett 20-24). Ultimately, for the group to work it takes a dedicated counselor and dedicated group members (those with the desire to change) (Bennett 22).Another technique used to rehabilitate criminals is a type of correctional center called a halfway house. The name comes from the fact that they are "halfway between the community and the prison" (Fox 60). The aim is to keep offenders in the community; thus, halfway houses are located in residential communities. The rationale behind halfway houses is that criminal activity originates in the community, so the community has a responsibility to try to correct it. Vernon Fox stresses that "The best place for treatment is in the community; this prevents the breaking of all constructive social ties" (Fox 61). Programs in halfway houses usually involve work release or study release, group therapy, and counseling. Most programs vary greatly depending on the administrators. Generally, the purpose is to reintegrate members back into the community. There are three systems generally used in programs and in the process of reintegration: "change by compliance, client-centered change, and change by credibility" (Fox 73). The compliance model is designed to develop good work habits. The client-centered model focuses on a higher understanding of the person. The credibility model emphasizes making sound decisions and getting back into the community. These programs are designed to avoid institutions as much as possible (Fox 73). California has the most people incarcerated in the entire world and has the largest population of female offenders (Chowchilla Women's Prison) in the entire world. California also has the largest institution for the criminally insane (Atascadero) (Hickey 272). It should be evident, especially in California, that the pena...
