BackBOOK REVIEW
Community Integration Workbook by Stephen Fraley,
Stephen Fraley's ambitious project results in a 12-chapter workbook that addresses several issues facing offenders returning to the community. He includes chapters on such topics as family concerns, decision-making, substance abuse and employment. This workbook is Fraley's straightforward effort to assist offenders, based on the experience he has gleaned in working with this population. It is a directed, self-help effort to help offenders help themselves.
This user-friendly workbook may be of interest to the "group-oriented" corrections counselor, social worker, release planner, prison educator, case manager or supervising agent. The material appears best covered in a group format with individual homework assignments. Because Fraley poses questions that demand a fairly astute level of insight, the workbook may be more suitable for higher-functioning offenders.
Fraley realizes that one size does not fit all and encourages participants to use the parts of the workbook that are helpful to them. The workbook provides a useful outline and gives guidance to the offender reintegrating to the community. In addition, it is nicely formatted with plenty of space to accommodate an inmate's logical, well-designed release plan.
This is not an empirically based work, nor does it claim to be. Drawbacks to Fraley's approach are few. However, an offender may need to be fairly motivated to successfully complete this workbook. In addition, the inclusiveness of the workbook may leave participants scratching the surface on issues that need more exploration. A few areas appear a bit scattered and lack obvious direction, and examples may be useful to illustrate Fraley's points.
Fraley is upfront and honest in realizing the limits of his material. His work challenges but does not overwhelm the participant, and he encourages personal work and reflection throughout the workbook. I would recommend giving this comprehensive workbook to inmates several months before release. Heartfelt and genuine, it reflects a concerted effort to help offenders help themselves.
Reviewed by Scott Hudson
Psy.D., LP, psychologist supervisor at a female correctional facility.
Biddle Publishing Co., Brunswick, Maine, 2008, 160 pp.
Community Integration WorkbookBy Stephen FraleyA Guide for Those Determined to Overcome Such Challenges as Unemployment, Homelessness, Chronic Welfare, Drug Addiction, and Criminal Behavior, and for the Counselors Helping Them Make a Healthy Transition into Mainstream Society. TO ORDER Biddle Publishing Company Book $14.95 PMB 103 Tax .75 13 Gurnet Road Ship 6.00 Brunswick, Maine 04011 Total |
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