Mentally Ill and Handicapped in Corrections "Corrections is the variety of programs, services, facilities, and organizations responsible for the management of individuals who have been accused or convicted of criminal offenses" (pg 8). The goals of corrections are fair punishment and community protection. These goals not only define the purpose of corrections but also serve as the criteria by which we evaluate correctional work. "Corrections can be viewed as a series of processes: sentencing, classification, supervision, programming, and revocation" (Clear, Cole, & Reisig, pg. 9). While criminals are being processed, the correctional agencies have to deal with the pressure of public opinion, fiscal constraints, and the law. This may lead to actions not seen best suited for achieving fairness or public protection. "The American corrections system today employs over seven hundred thousand administrators, psychologists, officers, counselors, social workers, and others. The federal government, the 50 states, over three thousand counties, and uncounted municipalities and public and private organizations administer corrections at an average annual cost of over $60 billion" (Clear, Cole, & Reisig, pg.13). Corrections contain many subunits, each have their own functions and responsibilities. These subunits are probation officers, halfway houses, prisons, and others. Theses subunits vary in size, goals, clientele, and organizational structure.They are either administered in institutions or in the community an dare either private organizations or government agencies. "Despite the similarity, from state to sate, of behaviors that are labeled criminal, important differences appear among specific definitions of offenses, types and severity of sanctions, and procedures governing the establishment of guilt and treatment to offenders" (Clear, Cole, & Reisig, pg. 13). There are