Assessing the Therapeutic Environment in Hybrid Models of Treatment: Prisoner Perceptions of Staff

Hybrid treatment models within prisons are staffed by both criminal justice and treatment professionals. Because these models may be indicative of future trends, examining the perceptions of prisoners / participants may provide important information. This study examines the perceptions of male and female inmates in three prisons, comparing those in therapeutic `hybrid' units (n = 701), with those in non- therapeutic units (n = 329). Inmates in therapeutic units had significantly more positive perceptions of the environment, as well as both staff groups, than inmates within the same prison in non- therapeutic units. Regression analyses suggest specific staff characteristics are associated with these positive feelings and are different for each staff group.