An Experimental Demonstration of Training Probation Officers in Evidence-Based Community Supervision

2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (11) ◽  
pp. 1127-1148 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Bonta ◽  
Guy Bourgon ◽  
Tanya Rugge ◽  
Terri-Lynne Scott ◽  
Annie K. Yessine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Probation Officers ◽  
Community Supervision ◽  
Offender Rehabilitation ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Experimental Demonstration ◽  
Recidivism Rates ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Behavioral Techniques ◽  
Rnr Model ◽  
Risk Need Responsivity

The present study evaluated a training program for probation officers based on the risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model of offender rehabilitation. A total of 80 officers were randomly assigned to either training or a no training condition. The probation officers then recruited 143 probationers and audiotaped their sessions at the beginning of supervision, 3 months later, and 6 months later. The audiotapes were coded with respect to the officers’ adherence to the RNR model. The experimental probation officers demonstrated significantly better adherence to the RNR principles, with more frequent use of cognitive-behavioral techniques to address the procriminal attitudes of their clients. Finally, the analysis of recidivism rates favored the clients of the trained officers. The findings suggest that training in the evidence-based principles of the RNR model can have an important impact on the behavior of probation officers and their clients.

From evidence-informed to evidence-based: the Strategic Training Initiative in Community Supervision

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Bonta ◽  
Guy Bourgon ◽  
Tanya Rugge
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Probation Officers ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Community Supervision ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Training Initiative ◽  
Rnr Model ◽  
Development Evaluation ◽  
Strategic Training ◽  
Offender Assessment

The Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Model of offender assessment and rehabilitation is one of the mostly widely used paradigms for the design and delivery of offender treatment programs. However, there has been relatively little research on providing RNR-informed services by front-line correctional staff. The Strategic Training Initiative in Community Corrections (STICS) is the first RNR-based intervention that trains probation officers to use the RNR principles in the everyday supervision of offenders. This chapter describes the development, evaluation, and application of STICS in community supervision. Special attention is given to issues faced during large-scale implementation of the STICS model and the generalizability of the model. The chapter ends with a description of the influence of STICS on international developments in providing evidence-based community supervision.

Comparing the Central Eight Risk Factors: Do They Differ Across Age Groups of Sex Offenders?

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (13) ◽  
pp. 4278-4294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Wilpert ◽  
Joan E. van Horn ◽  
Cyril Boonmann
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Recidivism Rates ◽  
Dynamic Risk Factors ◽  
Rnr Model ◽  
Risk Need Responsivity ◽  
Reducing Recidivism ◽  
General Recidivism

Following the risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model, cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered most effective in reducing recidivism when based on dynamic risk factors. As studies have found differences of these factors across age, exploring this seems beneficial. The current study investigates the Central Eight (C8) risk factors across six age groups of outpatient sex offenders ( N = 650). Results showed that recidivism rates and age were inversely related from 19 years and up. Half of the C8 did not predict general recidivism at all, substance abuse, antisocial cognition, antisocial associates, and history of antisocial behavior in only one or several age groups. However, factors differed between age groups, with the youngest group demonstrating the most dysfunction in several areas and the oldest group the least. It is concluded that the C8 risk factors seem to lose significance in the older age groups. Results may benefit targeting treatment goals.

Evaluation of the Implementation of a Risk-Need-Responsivity Service in Community Supervision in Sweden

2020 ◽  
pp. 009385482095874
Author(s):  
Louise C. Starfelt Sutton ◽  
Marcus Dynevall ◽  
Johan Wennerholm ◽  
Sarah Åhlén ◽  
Tanya Rugge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Probation Officers ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Community Supervision ◽  
Case File ◽  
Risk Principle ◽  
Risk Need Responsivity

The effective use of the core treatment principles from the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model has the potential to reduce criminal recidivism significantly. A pilot trial of the RNR-based model Krimstics in the Swedish probation service showed increased RNR adherence but no effects on recidivism. The subsequent implementation of Krimstics involved the training and clinical support of more than 700 probation officers working with community supervision. In parallel, an implementation evaluation examining RNR adherence was undertaken, collecting and coding audio-recorded supervision sessions and case file data. Findings showed that Krimstics-trained probation officers ( N = 96) used cognitive behavioral therapy-based techniques in supervision sessions while demonstrating moderate-to-high levels of relationship building skills. However, adherence to the risk principle was lacking and key cognitive behavioral techniques showed poor quality. Although Krimstics has increased RNR adherence in a Swedish context, challenges with implementing theory into practice may obscure the assessment of the service’s effectiveness.

The Risk-Need-Responsivity Model Revisited: Using Biosocial Criminology to Enhance Offender Rehabilitation

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
pp. 1030-1049 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Newsome ◽  
Francis T. Cullen
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Behavior ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Offender Rehabilitation ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
The Past ◽  
What Works ◽  
Biosocial Criminology ◽  
Risk Need Responsivity ◽  
Biosocial Research ◽  
Criminal Conduct

During the past four decades, researchers and practitioners working in corrections have shifted from a “nothing works” to a “what works” orientation. Emphasizing the importance of adopting evidence-based interventions, Andrews and Bonta have argued that efforts to rehabilitate offenders should adhere to a number of specified principles of effective intervention, three of which—risk, need, and responsivity—are considered the most critical. These principles were derived from Andrews and Bonta’s theory of the psychology of criminal conduct, which underscores the necessity to link correctional practice to empirically defensible theories of offending. The vast majority of research has provided evidence of the effectiveness of the risk-need-responsivity model; however, far less attention has been given to expanding its theoretical foundation. Given the wealth of evidence supporting biosocial explanations of criminal behavior, we consider potential avenues for enhancing the risk-need-responsivity model through the integration of key findings from biosocial research.

Juvenile Probation Officer Decision-Making in a Reforming State: Assessing the Application of Evidence-Based Principles

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (9) ◽  
pp. 1136-1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel Miller ◽  
Krissinda Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Implementation Strategy ◽  
Probation Officer ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Juvenile Probation ◽  
Risk Levels ◽  
Rnr Model ◽  
Risk Need Responsivity ◽  
Experimental Survey

Whereas research has shown improvements in decision-making shortly after the introduction of risk/need assessment (RNA) tools, studies of routine practice nonetheless show shortcomings in RNA utilization. The current study uses an experimental survey-based vignette method to assess juvenile probation officer decision-making several years into a sustained evidence-based effort to implement an RNA in Pennsylvania. Consistent with the risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model, results show officer decisions correspond with clients’ risk and need. Moreover, adherence to the RNR model was found for clients across risk levels and offense categories. However, officers often relied on services for low-risk clients, and made decisions about interventions based on offense characteristics. Results suggest a discretionary form of decision-making, taking cues from within and beyond the RNR model, including from punitive and traditional welfare-oriented approaches. Findings highlight the challenges of producing RNR-consistent decision-making, even when using a sustained scientific RNA implementation strategy.

scholarly journals The Availability and Utility of Services to Address Risk Factors for Recidivism Among Justice-Involved Veterans

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (8) ◽  
pp. 790-813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel M. Blonigen ◽  
Allison L. Rodriguez ◽  
Luisa Manfredi ◽  
Jessica Britt ◽  
Andrea Nevedal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Offender Rehabilitation ◽  
Department Of Veterans Affairs ◽  
Access To Services ◽  
School Work ◽  
Rnr Model ◽  
Risk Need Responsivity ◽  
Reducing Recidivism

The availability and utility of services to address recidivism risk factors among justice-involved veterans is unknown. We explored these issues through qualitative interviews with 63 Specialists from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Veterans Justice Programs. To guide the interviews, we utilized the risk–need–responsivity (RNR) model of offender rehabilitation. Specialists reported that justice-involved veterans generally have access to services to address most RNR-based risk factors (substance abuse, lack of positive school/work involvement, family/marital dysfunction, lack of prosocial activities/interests), but have less access to services targeting risk factors of antisocial tendencies and associates and empirically based treatments for recidivism in VA. Peer-based services, motivational interviewing/cognitive-behavioral therapy, and Veterans Treatment Courts were perceived as useful to address multiple risk factors. These findings highlight potential gaps in provision of evidence-based care to address recidivism among justice-involved veterans, as well as promising policy-based solutions that may have widespread impact on reducing recidivism in this population.

Effective Practices in Community Supervision model: Staff perceptions of the model and implementation

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-181
Author(s):  
Lily Gleicher
Keyword(s):  
Effective Practices ◽  
Community Supervision ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Evidence Based Practices ◽  
Effective Interactions ◽  
Risk Need Responsivity ◽  
History Of ◽  
Supervision Model ◽  
Qualitative Responses

Staff who provide service to individuals under correctional supervision are critical to organizational change, implementation, and sustainability of policies and practices. The training on evidence-based practices demonstrates a movement toward effective interactions with community supervision officers and their clients, specifically to the Risk–Need–Responsivity model and core correctional practices. Research over the past several decades provides that fidelity to Risk–Need–Responsivity and core correctional practice can reduce recidivism among the community correctional population. However, the correctional field has a history of training staff, but limited success in implementing and sustaining these practices. The current qualitative study analyzes the feedback from 307 community supervision officers who responded to open-ended questions regarding the implementation of Effective Practices in Community Supervision model, a curriculum that incorporates the Risk–Need–Responsivity model and core correctional practices. Qualitative responses indicate key themes that help and hinder the implementation of evidence-based practices: individual attitudes and beliefs, organizational elements, and leadership.

Sorting Through the Evidence: A Step Toward Prioritization of Evidence-Based Community Supervision Practices

2021 ◽  
pp. 009385482110364
Author(s):  
Brandy L. Blasko ◽  
Liana R. Taylor ◽  
Jill Viglione ◽  
Faye S. Taxman
Keyword(s):  
Linear Models ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Treatment Compliance ◽  
Probation Officers ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Community Supervision ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Policies And Procedures ◽  
Criminogenic Needs ◽  
Supervision Practices

Studies of implementation of evidence-based supervision policies and procedures often report minimal to moderate adherence to evidence-based models. The few studies that exist examine the degree to which characteristics of probation officers, individuals on supervision, and supervision processes have an impact on rearrest (outcomes). Using administrative data on 7,326 probationers and surveys from 161 probation officers employed by five agencies, hierarchical linear models were used to identify the features of supervision processes that are most important to reduce recidivism. The findings clarify that no one evidence-based supervision feature (i.e., a validated risk and need assessment tool, case planning, treatment, compliance management, etc.) can achieve recidivism reductions. The best results can be achieved by using all features, although a risk-based case management approach that prioritizes employment and/or reducing the criminogenic needs creates similar outcomes. This article discusses the implications of prioritizing which supervision processes are used to impact positive supervision outcomes.

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