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 ◽  
...  

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.

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (13) ◽  
pp. 4278-4294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Wilpert ◽  
Joan E. van Horn ◽  
Cyril Boonmann

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.


Author(s):  
Ashley Thomann ◽  
Latocia Keyes ◽  
Amanda Ryan ◽  
Genevieve Graaf

This study aims to examine current research about trauma-exposed, justice-involved (TEJI) female youth, and evaluate the current literature regarding the effectiveness of gender-specific interventions aimed at reducing their recidivism. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) methodology was utilized to examine quantitative and qualitative literature, published from 2000 through March 2020, about interventions for female justice-involved youth with trauma exposure. Analysis of selected studies utilized an integrated framework based on Andrew’s Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model and Lipsey’s factors of effectiveness, which reviewed studies showing the relationship between female justice-involved youth with mental health symptomologies and trauma. The findings show that effective intervention for this population targets the youth’s negative internal mechanisms related to trauma-subsequent psychosocial problems. These studies suggest that trauma-sensitive modalities have the potential to mitigate the further risk of problematic external behaviors. All studies had limited sample sizes, low follow-up rates, and unknown long-term outcomes. Future research should explore dimensions of sustainability and achieving stability in relation to intervention setting. Selecting the proper venue and facilitator for quality implementation and stability of setting is critical in delivering effective therapies. Modifications in public expectations of juvenile justice policy and practice, from disciplinary to therapeutic approaches, is needed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 812-837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel M. Blonigen ◽  
Leena Bui ◽  
Eric B. Elbogen ◽  
Janet C. Blodgett ◽  
Natalya C. Maisel ◽  
...  

Empirical research on recidivism risk among justice-involved veterans (JIVs) is limited. Using the risk-need-responsivity model, we conducted a systematic review of research on risk factors for recidivism among JIVs to identify the gaps in this literature and provide recommendations for future research. Substance abuse and indicators of antisociality were consistently linked to justice involvement in veterans; however, the evidence for negative family/marital circumstances and lack of positive school/work involvement was mixed. Several known risk factors for reoffending among civilian offenders (i.e., antisocial cognitions and associates; lack of prosocial activities) were marked by little to no empirical studies among veterans. Posttraumatic stress and traumatic brain injury, particularly when combined with anger and irritability issues, may be veteran-specific risk factors for violent offending. The implications of these findings for policy and practice and challenges to implementing risk assessments with JIVs are discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (7) ◽  
pp. 829-847
Author(s):  
Michael E. Lester ◽  
Ashley B. Batastini ◽  
Riley Davis ◽  
Guy Bourgon

Research examining the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing recidivism has paid little attention to treatment factors contributing to response variability. Using an archival sample of 448 participants exposed to a risk-need-responsivity (RNR)-informed CBT program or no treatment, a multigroup latent profile analysis yielded a four-profile solution: a treatment-nonresponsive group and three treatment-responsive groups. Among the treatment-responsive profiles, reduced criminal attitudes were most predictive of desistance from reoffending. Elevated rates of recidivism and negligible gains following treatment were associated with pretreatment elevations in antisocial traits, risk level, and negative attitudes toward treatment. These findings underscore a greater need for individualized assessment of risk and treatment motivation, the importance of altering criminal sentiments to prevent reentry into the system upon release, and challenge the idea that 200 hours of treatment is sufficient for lasting change. Study limitations and further directions are discussed, including the need for correctional treatment outcome research to better isolate individual differences.


2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (11) ◽  
pp. 1127-1148 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Bonta ◽  
Guy Bourgon ◽  
Tanya Rugge ◽  
Terri-Lynne Scott ◽  
Annie K. Yessine ◽  
...  

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanneke Kip ◽  
Yvonne H. A. Bouman

While there are multiple ways in which eHealth interventions such as online modules, apps and virtual reality can improve forensic psychiatry, uptake in practice is low. To overcome this problem, better integration of eHealth in treatment is necessary. In this perspective paper, we describe how the possibilities of eHealth can be connected to the risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model. To account for the risk-principle, stand-alone eHealth interventions might be used to offer more intensive treatment to high-risk offenders. The need-principle can be addressed by connecting novel experience-based interventions such as VR and apps to stable and acute dynamic risk factors. Finally, using and combining personalized interventions is in line with the responsivity-principle. Based on research inside and outside of forensic psychiatry, we conclude that there are many possibilities for eHealth to improve treatment—not just based on RNR, but also on other models. However, there is a pressing need for more development, implementation and evaluation research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272199219
Author(s):  
Danielle J. O’Laughlin ◽  
Brittany Strelow ◽  
Nicole Fellows ◽  
Elizabeth Kelsey ◽  
Sonya Peters ◽  
...  

To review the anxiety and fear risk factors, pathophysiology, symptoms, screening and diagnosis while highlighting treatment considerations for women undergoing a pelvic examination. Methods: We reviewed the literature pertaining to anxiety and fear surrounding the pelvic examination to help guide health care providers’ on available screening options and to review options for individualized patient management. Results: Anxiety and fear are common before and during the pelvic examination. In fact, the pelvic exam is one of the most common anxiety-provoking medical procedures. This exam can provoke negative physical and emotional symptoms such as pain, discomfort, anxiety, fear, embarrassment, and irritability. These negative symptoms can interfere with preventative health screening compliance resulting in delayed or avoided care and significant health consequences. Conclusion: Assessing women for anxiety related to pelvic examinations may help decrease a delay or avoidance of examinations. Risk factor and symptom identification is also a key component in this. General anxiety questionnaires can help identify women with anxiety related to pelvic examinations. Strategies to reduce anxiety, fear and pain during a pelvic examination should routinely be implemented, particularly in women with high-risk factors or those identified with screening techniques as having anxiety, fear or pain with examinations. Treatment options should be targeted at understanding the patient’s concerns, starting conversations about pelvic examinations early, educating patient’s about the examination and offering the presence of a chaperone or support person. During an examination providers should ensure the patient is comfortable, negative phrases are avoided, the correct speculum size is utilized and proper lubrication, draping, dressing and positioning are performed. Treating underlying gynecologic or mental health conditions, consideration of cognitive behavioral therapy and complementary techniques such as lavender aromatherapy and music therapy should also be considered when appropriate.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S50-S51
Author(s):  
Gina Oda ◽  
Cynthia Lucero-Obusan ◽  
Patricia Schirmer ◽  
Mark Holodniy

Abstract Background US and global elimination of tuberculosis (TB) is an important goal. Despite decreased incidence, CDC predicts elimination of TB in the US will not occur in the 21st century without improved detection and treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI). We describe the current burden of active TB infection and LTBI testing and treatment among patients within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Methods Using the 2009 CDC case definition for laboratory-confirmed TB, we queried VA data sources from January 2010 to December 2018 for Mycobacterium tuberculosis detected via culture or nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) from specimens from all body sites. For all TB patients, we extracted demographic, ICD-9 and ICD-10 risk factor, and LTBI testing and treatment data. Results Between 2010 and 2018, the average annual incidence of TB was 1.7 cases per 100,000 unique users of VA care (ranging from a high of 2.8 in 2010 to low of 0.8 in 2018). For 899 identified cases, demographic factors associated with highest TB rates were age between 45 and 64, Asian race, and residence in District of Columbia (Table 1). The most frequently occurring risk factors were substance abuse, diabetes, and homelessness. Of 90 patients with susceptibility documentation, 14 (15%) had resistance to 1 or more anti-TB drug (1 with multi-drug-resistant TB). Fifteen patients (1.7%) died within 7 days of their TB diagnosis; in all but 2 cases, TB was the primary cause of death (Table 2). Figure 1 depicts screening and treatment for LTBI among patients with TB. Only 228/899 (25.4%) TB patients had LTBI screening ≥ 3 months prior to diagnosis. Of the 347 TB patients never screened for LTBI, 264 (76%) had ≥ 1 documented TB risk factor. Among 228 patients screened for LTBI >3 months prior to active disease, 69 (30%) screened positive; however, only 24 (35%) had LTBI treatment initiated. Conclusion Although rates of TB infection are decreasing, VHA providers would benefit from education on recognizing patients with risk factors which place them at high risk for TB who should be screened for LTBI. CDC recommends preventive treatment of patients who screen positive for LTBI, and provider collaboration with local public health departments to provide directly observed therapy in cases where adherence may be in question. Disclosures All Authors: No reported Disclosures.


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