Discussion 1: The Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Offenders

As discussed in Chapter 12 in the Bartol & Bartol (2015) text, in most circumstances, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders is the goal of the criminal justice system as evidenced by the number of offenders ultimately being released back into society. This includes concerns for public safety, the behavior and performance of the offender as a functioning member of society, and the likelihood of recidivating. While some offenses, and therefore offenders, are deemed inappropriate for release (i.e. those sentenced to life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty), most offenders will have an ultimate release date included in their sentence. This poses challenges in how to address these offenders within the construct of their ultimately being released. Chapter 12 in Bartol & Bartol analyzes clinical practices in corrections environs.

Discussion 2: Therapy for Antisocial Juveniles

Research continues to substantiate the increase of positive outcomes when psychological issues are identified early (in childhood or adolescence) and interventions are instituted at that time rather than when an individual has researched adulthood. Chapter 13 in Bartol & Bartol (2015) discusses the concept of multisystemic therapy for antisocial juveniles. Recognizing that some mental disorders cannot be properly identified until early adulthood, there are many, including parents, who suggest this is inappropriate and an unreasonable intrusion into parents' rights and responsibilities in raising their children.