In-prison therapeutic communities in California

Purpose Over nearly six decades in prison, therapeutic communities (TCs) have waxed and waned in California. While there have been dramatic and demonstrable sucess with some of the most intractable populations in California prisons, the TC model has met substantial challenges, both bureaucratic and political. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach This is a six-decade review of in-prison TCs in California based both on the research literature and from personal experience over 30 years providing both in-prison and community based TCs in California. Findings Despite well-documented success reducing the recidivism of violent offenders in California prisons (which is now the bulk of the population), the government has ignored the success of well implemented in-prison TCs, and has implemented a CBT model which has recently been documented to have been ineffective in reducing recidivism. The State is now at a crossroads. Research limitations/implications Documented research findings of success do not necessarily result in the implementation of the model. Practical implications There is evidence that violent felons are amenable to treatment. Social implications Public concern over the return of violent felons from prison can be ameliorated by the evidence of the effectiveness of TC treatment in prison. Originality/value There is no other publication which captures the narrative of the TC in California prisons over six decades.