Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2001. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 183-186). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2001. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 183-186). Also available on the Internet.

Background Large outbreaks of influenza are known to occur at correctional institutions such as prisons. Prisoners are particularly vulnerable due to a combination of environmental and socio-behavioural risk factors. Such outbreaks are also challenging to control because of the unique environmental constraints in these institutions. However, no local guidance is available for the prevention and control of influenza outbreaks in correctional institutions. This paper aims to review and synthesise relevant evidence on the topic so that practical recommendations can be offered to the local public health and correctional services. Methods A literature search was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar and Google to locate all relevant articles in English that examined the control of influenza outbreaks at correctional institutions up to May 2012. Findings Eleven studies describing 16 outbreaks of influenza or influenza-like illness at correctional institutions were included in the review. The studies included ten case reports and one case-control study from four countries. The majority of outbreaks took place at prisons. The number of cases in each outbreak ranged from three to over 500. Attack rates were highly variable between outbreaks, while case-fatality ratios were generally low. Control strategies used included social distancing measures, transmission-based precautions, active surveillance and testing, treatment, chemoprophylaxis and vaccination. Nine studies discussed the risk factors for spread and the challenges encountered in the control of the outbreaks. These included agent, host, socio-behavioural, environmental, staff and infrastructural factors. The limited expertise and capacity of correctional institutions in responding to influenza outbreaks should be acknowledged. Close communication and collaboration with public health agencies is called for. To better prepare these institutions to respond to pandemic influenza, a detailed, multidisciplinary response plan should be set up by the various government agencies involved. Conclusions Correctional institutions require the appropriate guidance and support from public health for the successful control of influenza outbreaks. These institutions should be recognised as serving a vital role in the community, and prisoners deserve the same standards of health care that are available to other members of society. / published_or_final_version / Public Health / Master / Master of Public Health

Privatization of federal correctional services in Canada is extensive. It has gained considerable momentum since the present Conservative government came into power in 1984. Privatization has allowed the government to cut costs, but has not addressed the underlying issue: the high rate of delinquency. The author argues that, in the future, correctional services will not be purely private, but neither will they be wholly public. Correctional services and the operational aspects of corrections will involve a mix of the public and private sectors. Privatization will have its largest impact on concrete auxiliary services of the Correctional Service of Canada; to a lesser degree it will have an impact upon all or most post-release programmes. However, privatization should not affect penitentiaries that are classified as medium security and higher.

Research has indicated that there is a worldwide increase in the numbers of sexual offenders brought before court in the last two decades as well as an increase in recidivism after imprisonment of sexual offenders. It was found that imprisonment is not the only effective sentence option for sexual offenders and that there are certain categories of sexual offenders that can be rehabilitated more effectively within the community while serving a community-based sentence like correctional supervision. Research has also shown that the risk of re-offending can be decreased by such a sentence. In order for courts to consider correctional supervision as sentence for certain sexual offenders they request pre-sentence assessment reports from social workers to assist them to determine the suitable offenders for this sentence option. The court has certain expectations from social workers in terms of these pre-sentence assessments that are not always met. Amongst other factors, this is caused by the difference in approach between social workers and judicial officials as well as the different goals each profession has in terms of sexual offenders. The problems and needs of social workers with the pre-sentence assessment of sexual offenders were explored in this study as well as the expectations and problems of judicial officials in this regard. Social workers indicated that they lack certain skills, knowledge and confidence as well as professional support and resources to compile effective pre-sentence reports. Judicial officials expect more intensive and comprehensive assessments that focus on the determination of risk of re-offending and the risk to the community. In order to address the problems and needs of both the social workers and judicial officials, suggestions for the improvement of co-operation and understanding of the two different approaches were made as well as guidelines for social workers, trainers and supervisors to enable social workers to present more effective pre-sentence assessments to courts. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Research has indicated that there is a worldwide increase in the numbers of sexual offenders brought before court in the last two decades as well as an increase in recidivism after imprisonment of sexual offenders. It was found that imprisonment is not the only effective sentence option for sexual offenders and that there are certain categories of sexual offenders that can be rehabilitated more effectively within the community while serving a community-based sentence like correctional supervision. Research has also shown that the risk of re-offending can be decreased by such a sentence. In order for courts to consider correctional supervision as sentence for certain sexual offenders they request pre-sentence assessment reports from social workers to assist them to determine the suitable offenders for this sentence option. The court has certain expectations from social workers in terms of these pre-sentence assessments that are not always met. Amongst other factors, this is caused by the difference in approach between social workers and judicial officials as well as the different goals each profession has in terms of sexual offenders. The problems and needs of social workers with the pre-sentence assessment of sexual offenders were explored in this study as well as the expectations and problems of judicial officials in this regard. Social workers indicated that they lack certain skills, knowledge and confidence as well as professional support and resources to compile effective pre-sentence reports. Judicial officials expect more intensive and comprehensive assessments that focus on the determination of risk of re-offending and the risk to the community. In order to address the problems and needs of both the social workers and judicial officials, suggestions for the improvement of co-operation and understanding of the two different approaches were made as well as guidelines for social workers, trainers and supervisors to enable social workers to present more effective pre-sentence assessments to courts. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Illinois State University, 1983. / Title from title page screen, viewed April 28, 2005. Dissertation Committee: Dale Jackson (chair), Vivian Jackson, David Franklin, Steven Cox, John Brickell. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 127-131) and abstract. Also available in print.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego, 2005. / Title from first page of PDF file (viewed March 1, 2006). Available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 540-570).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1982. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 57-60).

Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1988. / Also available in print.