Community Corrections Interventions or Strategies that Improve Outcomes for People Under Community Corrections Supervision
Community Corrections Interventions or Strategies that Improve Outcomes for People Under Community Corrections Supervision
I. Research strongly supports a number of evidence-based principles that have been shown to reduce recidivism for the general population under community corrections supervision. A. The RNR model is a set of principles that maximize the effectiveness of community corrections interventions. 1. Several meta-analyses of existing evaluations show that offenders are less likely to recidivate when programs target higher-risk cases, matching the intensity of supervision and treatment services to their level of risk for recidivism, (risk principle), match modes of service to their abilities and styles (responsivity principle), and target a greater number of their changeable risk factors for recidivism or criminogenic need (need principle). 2. Studies indicate that providing treatment that follows RNR principles reduces an offender’s risk of recidivism by 24 to 53 percent when compared with individuals who received no rehabilitative treatment. B. Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) programs, a type of therapy that addresses the irrational thoughts and beliefs that can lead to anti-social behavior, has been shown to reduce recidivism for the general correctional population. 1. In a meta-analysis of 58 studies on the effects of CBT on recidivism, researchers found that CBT significantly reduces recidivism. 2. Further investigation suggested that effective CBT programs were intensive (more hours provided), included individual sessions (not just group treatment), and included a focus on anger control. 3. Researchers concluded that CBT programs reduced an offender’s recidivism risk by 25 to 50 percent (average to maximum effect), compared with individuals receiving no rehabilitative
I. Research strongly supports a number of evidence-based principles that have been shown to reduce recidivism for the general population under community corrections supervision. A. The RNR model is a set of principles that maximize the effectiveness of community corrections interventions. 1. Several meta-analyses of existing evaluations show that offenders are less likely to recidivate when programs target higher-risk cases, matching the intensity of supervision and treatment services to their level of risk for recidivism, (risk principle), match modes of service to their abilities and styles (responsivity principle), and target a greater number of their changeable risk factors for recidivism or criminogenic need (need principle). 2. Studies indicate that providing treatment that follows RNR principles reduces an offender’s risk of recidivism by 24 to 53 percent when compared with individuals who received no rehabilitative treatment. B. Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) programs, a type of therapy that addresses the irrational thoughts and beliefs that can lead to anti-social behavior, has been shown to reduce recidivism for the general correctional population. 1. In a meta-analysis of 58 studies on the effects of CBT on recidivism, researchers found that CBT significantly reduces recidivism. 2. Further investigation suggested that effective CBT programs were intensive (more hours provided), included individual sessions (not just group treatment), and included a focus on anger control. 3. Researchers concluded that CBT programs reduced an offender’s recidivism risk by 25 to 50 percent (average to maximum effect), compared with individuals receiving no rehabilitative