Balancing Political and Criminogenic Needs: Evaluating the New Zealand Department of Corrections’ Response to Men Assessed With a Below Average Risk for Sexual Recidivism

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 107906322110423
Author(s):  
Angela E. Carr ◽  
Gwenda M. Willis
Keyword(s):  
Comparison Group ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Vacuum Treatment ◽  
Average Risk ◽  
Sexual Offence ◽  
Sexual Recidivism ◽  
Dynamic Risk ◽  
Program Success ◽  
Criminogenic Needs ◽  
Correctional Settings

Current research provides little evidence for the effectiveness of treatment in reducing sexual offence recidivism amongst low-risk populations. However, in real-world correctional settings, program delivery rarely occurs in a vacuum, treatment may be politically mandated and unidimensional measures of program success may preclude recognition of broader benefits. The current study investigated the effectiveness of a low-intensity treatment program, both in terms of participants’ recidivism outcomes and in terms of broader organizational/systems impacts. The results demonstrated low base rate recidivism across both program participants ( n = 311) and a comparison group of men who were assessed as demonstrating similar static sexual offence recidivism risk ( n = 391), and little evidence of reduced recidivism following treatment. However, program administration led to many potential participants being identified as demonstrating higher levels of dynamic risk and overridden to more intensive treatment options ( n = 101). Given evidence that such options do effectively reduce recidivism in higher risk populations, these findings may suggest an overall positive net effect.

Are Protective Factors Valid Constructs? Interrater Reliability And Construct Validity Of Proposed Protective Factors Against Sexual Reoffending

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (11) ◽  
pp. 1448-1467
Author(s):  
Gwenda M. Willis ◽  
Sharon M. Kelley ◽  
David Thornton
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Violence Risk ◽  
Sexual Offence ◽  
Sexual Recidivism ◽  
Dynamic Risk ◽  
Risk Assessment Tools

Most sexual recidivism risk assessment tools focus primarily on risk factors and deficits without consideration for strengths or protective factors which might mitigate reoffense risk. The current study is the first in a research program designed to develop and validate the Structured Assessment of PROtective Factors for violence risk—Sexual Offence version (SAPROF-SO), a measure of protective factors against sexual reoffending. The study aimed to test interrater reliability and construct validity of the SAPROF-SO with a high-risk ( n = 40) and routine ( n = 40) sample. Interrater reliability between three independent raters was generally good to excellent for the SAPROF-SO domain and Total scores across both samples and compared favorably with validated measures of dynamic risk. Moreover, the SAPROF-SO demonstrated construct validity and was moderately independent of existing measures of risk. Findings open the door for a more balanced, strengths-based, and accurate approach to recidivism risk assessment.

Predictive Validity of the Static-99 and Static-99R in Switzerland

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-219
Author(s):  
Leonel C. Gonçalves ◽  
Juliane Gerth ◽  
Astrid Rossegger ◽  
Thomas Noll ◽  
Jérôme Endrass
Keyword(s):  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Risk Category ◽  
Average Risk ◽  
Sexual Recidivism ◽  
Sexual Offenses ◽  
Cut Score ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Male Sex Offenders

This study evaluated the validity of the Static-99 and Static-99R in assessing sexual recidivism in Switzerland, based on a sample of 142 male sex offenders. Both tools showed predictive validity, but the Static-99R had better discrimination (OR = 1.82, AUC = .81) and calibration (Brier = .078, P/E = 0.96) than the Static-99. A cut score of four on the Static-99R maximized sensitivity (92.9%) and specificity (60.2%). However, although most offenders (98.7%) with a score < 4 did not commit sexual offenses in the 5-year follow-up period, only one in five (20.3%) offenders with a score ≥ 4 actually recidivated. Furthermore, the predicted number of recidivists in the well above average risk category (Static-99R ≥ 6) was 24% higher than expected in routine samples. The results suggest that the Static-99R may be a useful screening tool to identify low-risk individuals but offenders with scores ≥ 4 should be subjected to a more thorough assessment.

scholarly journals A Dynamic Risk Factors–Based Typology of Sexual Offenders

2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (14) ◽  
pp. 1623-1647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Martínez-Catena ◽  
Santiago Redondo ◽  
Nina Frerich ◽  
Anthony R. Beech
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Child Molesters ◽  
Criminal History ◽  
Correctional Facilities ◽  
Dynamic Risk Factors ◽  
Dynamic Risk ◽  
Criminogenic Needs ◽  
The One

The purpose of this article was to develop an Spanish psychometric typology of sexual offenders taking into account dynamic risk factors. The sample comprised 94 sex offenders imprisoned in Spain (52 rapists and 42 child molesters). The analysis yielded two different offender categories based on the subjects’ criminogenic needs level (high and low). The results also showed that social desirability has a strong influence on the developed typologies, whereas the offence type, sociodemographic characteristics, and criminal history do not. A dynamic risk factors typology, such as the one proposed here, could help criminal and correctional facilities to fulfill their remit. It could also be useful for linking treatment intensity to offenders’ criminogenic needs, as well as providing a platform for recidivism risk assessments.

A misperceived threat: Understanding the increasing mastectomy rates.

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (28_suppl) ◽  
pp. 75-75
Author(s):  
Andrea Marie Covelli ◽  
Nancy N. Baxter ◽  
Margaret Fitch ◽  
Frances Catriona Wright
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Prophylactic Mastectomy ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Breast Conserving Therapy ◽  
Average Risk ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Structured Interviews

75 Background: Rates of unilateral (UM) and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) for early-stage breast cancer (ESBC) have been increasing. Both surgeons’ preference and patients’ choice have been suggested to play a role. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted examining surgeon’s practices and patient’s decision-making during treatment for ESBC. The Health-Belief Model was applied identifying factors influential in the choice for UM+/-CPM. Purposive sampling identified non-high-risk women across Toronto, Canada who were candidates for breast conserving therapy (BCT) but underwent UM+/-CPM. Academic and community breast surgeons from across Ontario, Canada and the United States were also recruited. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Constant comparative analysis identified key ideas. Results: 29 patients and 45 surgeons were interviewed. The dominant theme was the ‘misperceived threat of ESBC: an overestimated risk’. Surgeons described the high survivability of ESBC, yet patients greatly overestimated the threat of death from their cancer and strived to eliminate this threat by choosing UM+/-CPM. Surgeons described BCT and UM as equivalent treatment options for ESBC, and recommended BCT. In this average-risk population CPM was discouraged by the surgeons describing no survival advantage; despite this, women requested UM+CPM. Personal cancer experiences with family and friends were extremely influential in women’s request for UM+/-CPM. Previous negative experiences translated into an overestimated risk of recurrence, contralateral cancer, metastasisand subsequent death. Patients’ misperceived the severity of ESBC, and believed that by choosing UM+/-CPM they would live longer. Most women did not perceive any risks of undergoing mastectomy, yet many had ongoing issues with skin sensation, cosmesis and body image. Conclusions: Despite surgeons counseling otherwise, women greatly overestimated the risk of ESBC and misperceived the benefits of mastectomy. As undergoing UM+/-CPM is not without risks, improved discussion of patient sources of information and fears around survival may benefit surgical consultations, facilitating informed decision-making.

scholarly journals Improving our Risk Communication: Standardized Risk Levels for BARR-2002R

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Blais ◽  
Kelly M. Babchishin ◽  
R. Karl Hanson
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Offending ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Dynamic Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Levels ◽  
Dynamic Risk ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Criminogenic Needs ◽  
History Of ◽  
Level I ◽  
General Recidivism

A Five-Level Risk and Needs system has been proposed as a common language for standardizing the meaning of risk levels across risk/need tools used in corrections. Study 1 examined whether the Five-Levels could be applied to BARR-2002R (N = 2,390), an actuarial tool for general recidivism. Study 2 examined the construct validity of BARR-2002R risk levels in two samples of individuals with a history of sexual offending (N = 1,081). Study 1 found reasonable correspondence between BARR-2002R scores and four of the five standardized risk levels (no Level V). Study 2 found that the profiles of individuals in Levels II, III, and IV were mostly consistent with expectations; however, individuals in the lowest risk level (Level I) had more criminogenic needs than expected based on the original descriptions of the Five-Levels. The Five-Level system was mostly successful when applied to BARR-2002R. Revisions to this system, or the inclusion of putatively dynamic risk factors and protective factors, may be required to improve alignment with the information provided by certain risk tools.

Evaluation of Safe Streets Treatment Option to Reduce Recidivism Among Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 1368-1384
Author(s):  
Tina L. Freiburger ◽  
Alyssa M. Sheeran
Keyword(s):  
Comparison Group ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Drunk Driving ◽  
The United States ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Drinking And Driving ◽  
Repeat Offenders ◽  
Driving Behaviors ◽  
To Receive

Drinking and driving poses a significant issue in the United States. Repeat offenders are especially problematic as they are responsible for a high proportion of all drunk driving offenses and are more likely to continue in their drinking and driving behaviors. This study examines the effectiveness of the Safe Streets Treatment Options Program (SSTOP) in Outagamie County, Wisconsin, to reduce recidivism among repeat offenders. The results indicate that participants of SSTOP had significantly fewer convictions, fewer subsequent sentences to incarceration, were sentenced to fewer days incarcerated in jail for subsequent offenses, and were less likely to receive another Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) conviction than those in the comparison group. Policy implications and directions for future research also are discussed.

Comparing STATIC-99R and STABLE-2007 between persons with and without intellectual disabilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 58-68
Author(s):  
Monique Delforterie ◽  
Jan Willem van den Berg ◽  
Betto Bolt ◽  
Teunis van den Hazel ◽  
Leam Craig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Mild Intellectual Disability ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dynamic Risk Factors ◽  
Borderline Intellectual Functioning ◽  
Sexual Offenses ◽  
Dynamic Risk

Purpose While there is a significant proportion of people with a mild intellectual disability (MID) or borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) who commit sexual offenses, little research has focused on the risk factors for sexual recidivism in people with MID-BIF. The purpose of this paper is to compare the scores on the STATIC-99R and STABLE-2007 between persons with sexual offense histories with and without MID-BIF. Design/methodology/approach Data using the STATIC-99R and STABLE-2007 were collected in 85 male patients divided into an MID-BIF group (IQ 50–85, n=50) and comparison group (IQ>95, n=35). Findings The MID-BIF group and comparison group did not differ significantly on the static risk factors and total score of the STATIC-99R. However, of the 13 dynamic risk factors of the STABLE-2007, the MID-BIF group scored significantly higher on the items Impulsive acts, Poor problem solving skills and Lack of concern for others, while the comparison group scored significantly higher on the item Deviant sexual preference. Originality/value The higher score on a number of dynamic risk factors for patients with MID-BIF could partly be explained by the characteristics associated with MID-BIF. Although dynamic criminogenic risk factors which are usually identified as targets for treatment appear the same for people with and without MID-BIF who commit sexual offenses, adaptations to the modality of treatment will still need to be made for people with MID-BIF.

scholarly journals Predictive validity of Stable-2007 in incarcerated samples

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Looman ◽  
Joshua Goldstein ◽  
Brian R. Abbott ◽  
Jeff Abracen
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Risk Estimation ◽  
Institutional Setting ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Assessment Instruments ◽  
Sexual Offense ◽  
Sexual Recidivism ◽  
Sexual Offenses ◽  
Dynamic Risk ◽  
Monitoring Change

Some are unclear whether risk assessment instruments, specifically dynamic risk instruments, have demonstrated utility in the risk estimation, treatment recommendations, and monitoring change over time in men at risk for or under sentence of Indeterminate Detention (ID) for sexual offenses. We compare two datasets, the first consisting of individuals representing a routine sample of persons convicted of a sexual offense and the second of men representative of a high risk/needs sample. These two distinct samples (n = 442, mean Static-99R score = 2.4; n = 168, mean Static-99R score 4.5) were then also scored on the Stable-2007. For both groups this scoring occurred in an institutional setting. The Stable-2007 predicted sexual recidivism in Sample 1 independently and in conjunction with the Static-99R. In the high-risk sample the results were the same. In both samples a compound outcome variable (Sexual + Violent reoffense) was also calculated with the Stable-2007 predicting the compound outcome variable in Sample 1 but not Sample 2. This is interesting in that it suggests that the Stable-2007 assesses constructs specific to sexual re-offense in higher risk offenders and not general traits of violence or common anti-social behaviour. Limitations and directions for further research are discussed.

Group psychotherapy

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shama Chaiken ◽  
Brittany Brizendine
Keyword(s):  
Group Therapy ◽  
Group Psychotherapy ◽  
Patient Selection ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Language Diversity ◽  
Correctional Settings

Group psychotherapy has become a standard practice in community settings, prisons, and to a lesser degree in jails. While simple process groups may still play a limited role in some settings, the field of group therapy has evolved substantially, with some significant work adapting evidence-based therapies for use in correctional settings, or designing them de novo. Logistics and support of group therapy are critical core elements for successful implementation in jails or prisons. These elements include appropriate training and supervision of group facilitators, a structured approach to patient selection and pre-group interviewing, and appropriate support for cultural and language diversity. The specifics of group member confidentiality and development of groups for patients with severe mental illness, intellectual, or learning disabilities are particularly important in this context. Some of the unique challenges of correctional settings include the need for design of treatment modalities for those in maximum security and restricted housing environments. Gender-specific and trauma-informed care are important treatment options still in evolution for the incarcerated population. Implementation of evidence-based, manual-guided treatment in corrections is challenging but achievable with adequate planning and support. Integration of the recovery model, reentry planning groups, and other special purpose groups are becoming more common. This chapter presents the range of evidence based practices and best practices in use, and discusses issues of appropriate patient selection, therapist training required, sustainability, and outcomes.

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