Offender Rehabilitation

Drug treatment court (DTC) is a diversion program for individuals with drug-related crimes. However, the DTC literature is conflicting with regard to substance use and recidivism outcomes. This study examines factors associated with improved client outcome trajectories among a multisite, national DTC sample. We conducted a secondary analysis of 2,295 participants using the global Appraisal of Individual Needs assessment tool. Participants in community-based treatment comprised a nonequivalent comparison group. Zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression examined client sociodemographics in relation to substance use and rearrest at 6-month follow-up. Employed DTC clients were more likely to abstain from substances, but among all study participants, higher baseline use, male gender, and employment predicted substance use. Similarly, among DTC clients, older age and employment predicted no rearrests, but among all study participants, older and employed individuals had worse arrest outcome trajectories. Future work is needed to better understand how client characteristics may inform individualized treatment approaches.

The study examined gender perception and the prevalence of recidivism in Nigerian prisons; it ascertained the trend and pattern of crimes by recidivists. This was with a view to establishing the gender differences, their patterns of crime, relationships and behavioural predispositions. Primary and secondary data were generated; the primary data were collected in five purposively selected State Prison Commands. The quantitative data was collected. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaire; a sample of 567 inmates was selected using proportional sampling technique. The quantitative data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed persistent rise in the prevalence of recidivism from 35% in 2007 to 44% in 2008 and 52.4% in 2010. The trend and pattern of recidivism showed that male recidivists constituted 88.5% while females, 11.5% and the prevalence was high among young offenders and within the age groups of 26-35 years (54.0%), 36-45years (22.2%) and 16-25 years (21.2%). The trend and patterns of crimes were mostly theft and other minor stealing (20.3%), armed robbery (11.3%) and burglary (9.0%). Female recidivists were convicted for anger related offences such as murder (10.1%) and attempted murder cases (6.2%). The study concluded that there was a constant increase in

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Choice and Challenge is a 12-session offending programme based on a motivational cognitive behavioural therapeutic (CBT) approach, designed and implemented by the Probation Service Programme Development Unit (PDU) in 2013. The programme has been delivered in community and custody settings for four years. Preand post-programme attitudinal testing has been put in place from the outset in order to have some evidence of effectiveness and to assist in programme revision. Programme impact has been measured using the Crime Pics II questionnaire. Information was also collected on some participants in the sixto 12-month period following completion of the programme. Initial findings suggest that participant attitudes were positively impacted. However, the change has proved difficult to sustain and there are significant variations in terms of which attitudinal indices are best sustained. Victim awareness is the least eroded of the four measured indices. This paper provides a brief introduction...

The purpose of this study is to use the Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Studies' (CJ-DATS) Inmate Pre-Release Assessment (IPASS), which recommends either intensive or non-intensive treatment after release, to predict rural offenders'12-step attendance and treatment entry within 6 months of release from prison. IPASS scores indicated that 52% of rural offenders needed intensive treatment upon community re-entry. In bivariate analyses, rural offenders with an intensive aftercare placement recommendation were significantly younger, more likely to have been employed more months in the year prior to incarceration, to have ever injected drugs, and to have ever received outpatient substance abuse treatment. The variables which were significant at the bivariate level were entered into two logistic multivariate models predicting 12-step attendance and treatment entry within 6 months of being released from prison. Age and having ever injected drugs were positive predictors of having attended a 12-step meeting, while the number of months legally employed was negatively related to 12-step attendance. In the treatment entry model, age increased the odds of entering formal treatment while having ever injected a drug decreased the odds. IPASS aftercare placement recommendation was not significant in either of the multivariate models. Findings from this study suggest that offenders re-entering rural communities may receive limited community-based continued care and future studies should explore geographic-specific treatment barriers. Implications for rural substance abuse treatment are provided.

This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability and efficacy of delivering the Reasoning and Rehabilitation Mental Health Program (R&R2MHP) to female mentally disordered offenders detained in medium and low secure hospital settings. Group treatment participants (N = 18) and control participants receiving treatment as usual (N = 20) completed self-report measures pre- and post-group. An informant measure of ward behavior was also completed by staff. Violent attitudes and locus of control were assessed at 3-month follow-up. Program completion was excellent (89%). A conservative intention-to-treat analysis found significant treatment effects post-group for positive problem-solving orientation, rational problem-solving style, and locus of control (medium-large effect), but no treatment effect for violent attitudes, anger, and ward behavior. At follow-up, a large treatment effect was found for locus of control. Ad hoc per protocol analyses found a large treatment effect for ward behavior....

IN RECENT YEARS, community supervision in the United States has been changing dramatically, as corrections populations have mounted and philosophies have shifted accordingly to accommodate more evidence-based supervision. There are currently 6.8 million adults under some form of correctional supervision in the United States (Kaeble, Glaze, Tsoutic, & Minton, 2016). During the 1970s "tough on crime" movement, probation supervision practices emphasized surveillance, authority, and control. These law enforcement-oriented practices prevailed for three decades, despite mounting evidence against their effectiveness at reducing recidivism (Bonta, Rugge, Scott, Bourgon, & Yessine, 2008; Drake, 2011; Nagin, Cullen, & Jonson, 2009; Taxman, 2002, 2009). Today, growing attention to the ineffectiveness of punishment-oriented responses to criminal behavior and the associated financial strain (Bonta et al., 2008; Nagin et al., 2009; Taxman, 2002) has led to a renewed emphasis on rehabili...

This exploratory study explores the community services provided by Parole Probation Officers (PPOs) in Punjab, Pakistan, focusing on their role in facilitating the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. This research employs qualitative methods, conducting indepth interviews with PPOs to identify current practices, challenges, and opportunities related to community service use. The outcomes of the study reveal that while PPOs are crucial in connecting offenders with community resources, they encounter significant barriers, including limited funding, bureaucratic obstacles, and insufficient training. This study also aims to inform policy development and enhance the effectiveness of community services, advocating for a rehabilitative approach that prioritizes community involvement and support in the reintegration process. Through these efforts, this research aims to contribute to a safer and more just society by fostering successful rehabilitation outcomes for offenders. The findings highlight the critical need for a paradigm shift in the approach to probation and parole, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment and recognizing the importance of community services in facilitating reintegration of offenders. By incorporating actionable recommendations based on the research, this study provides a road map for policymakers and practitioners to strengthen the role of PPOs in leveraging community services as a crucial component of offender rehabilitation. The insights gained from this research can inform the development of strategies that optimize the effectiveness of community services in Punjab, ultimately contributing to a reduction in recidivism and successful reintegration of offenders into society.

Drug courts represent a significant development in criminal justice during the past 15 years, and a small but growing literature suggests they are effective in reducing drug use and criminal behavior. Most of these studies evaluate the effects of drug courts in urban areas, however. This study adds to this literature by considering the effects of this inter-mediate sanction among adult offenders in a small, nonmetropolitan county of northwest Washington. Using a retrospective comparison group of matched control participants, these results show that the prevalence and incidence of rearrest is significantly lower among drug court graduates than probationers. These differences in recidivism persist even when the age, race, gender, and number of days at risk in the community are statis-tically controlled. Among those who did recidivate, drug court graduates did not signifi-cantly differ from controls in duration to first arrest and arrest incidence. Policy impli-cations are discussed.

This article examines Florida’s increasing reliance on private contractors to operate community work-release centers and the broader implications for reentry and rehabilitation. Drawing on state audits, legislative reports, and firsthand accounts, this study examines how privatization impacts wages, oversight, and access to programming for individuals involved in the justice system. The analysis highlights systemic inconsistencies in financial deductions, educational opportunities, and accountability mechanisms, raising questions about whether privatized models advance or undermine successful reinte

The purpose of this study, undertaken in 2012, was to describe provision available for under25s in prisons and to gain insight into the particularities of prison education. Six custodial establishments serving the London area were visited (prisons or Young Offender Institutions) and available statistical data were collected from a larger sample. Main findings were that, whilst many prisons are working hard to offer good provision, prison education is constrained in terms of the options available, and the length and level of courses. Some useful methods for addressing some of these problems were being used in different contexts. However, in conclusion, prisons need to focus more on education, training, and employment if they are to provide viable support for young prisoners as they move back into society. The proportion of education and training options at or above Level 2 should be increased.

Ich werde mich in diesem Aufsatz weder mit der Genese gewalttätigen Verhaltens beschäftigen noch das Störungsbild genauer kennzeichnen, sondern meinen Schwerpunkt auf einige Aspekte der Psychotherapie mit Dissozialen legen. Ich beziehe mich auf diejenigen Täter, deren Grundproblematik eine dissoziale Persönlichkeitsstruktur ist, nicht auf die kleine Gruppe von Tätern. bei denen eine eher neurotische Form der Delinquenz vorliegt. Diese sind in den Haftan•stalten der Bundesrepublik Deutschland so selten nur noch anzutreffen, so daß es mir sinnvoll erscheint, mich auf diejenigen zu beziehen; die die Masse der Inhaftierten darstellen. Es geht hier ausschließlich um Männer -weibliche Kriminalität ist unter anderen Vorzeichen zu sehen -, es geht um Männer, die Körperverletzungen, Raubdelikte, zum Teil auch Sexual-und Tötungsdelikte verübt haben. Psychotherapeuten arbeiten in der Regel nicht gern mit dieser Randgruppe. Lange Zeit galten Delinquente dieser Tätergruppe als unbehandelbar, und noch heute ist es nicht leicht, für sie Behandlungsmöglichkeiten außerhalb der Mauern zu finden. Insbesondere ihre mangelnde Frustrationstoleranz und ihre Kontaktstörung gelten und galten dabei als fI technisches" Hindernis. Dennoch scheint es immer wieder einmal zu gelingen, Symptomfreiheit oder sogar Heilung zu erreichen. Einige wichtig erscheinende Bedingungen dazu möchte ich im folgenden aufzeigen. 1) Dieser Beitrag erschien in verkürzter Form bereits in del-Zeitschrift für Strafvollzug und Straffä!ligenhilfe, Heft 5/94. Verhaltenstherapie und psychosoziale Praxis 4/94 481

Drug Courts have demonstrated a reduction in recidivism in comparison to traditional probation programs. Prior studies have not addressed why drug courts are effective from the participants\u27 perspective. This study used focus groups to attempt to understand why the drug court model worked for these offenders when other approaches failed.The results suggest that avoiding jail or prison are the initial impetus to join, but individualized treatment, structure, accountability, and rewards are the factors cited as being most important for success in drug court. Many successful participants had long criminal and addiction histories. This study used eight years of drug court data to examine whether the drug court approach is appropriate for persistent offenders. Persistent offenders were more likely to graduate and had similar rates of new arrests than offenders with less prior involvement in the criminal justice system. Implication for policy makers are discussed

Specialized domestic violence courts are presumed to be more effective than general case processing in understanding and addressing the unique issues associated with this crime type, which should lead to reduced recidivism among offenders. Research, however, is less clear about whether and how domestic violence courts reduce recidivism. This study analyzes data from a misdemeanor, expedited domestic violence court in southeast Texas to assess whether defendant characteristics and court processing characteristics influence recidivism among offenders processed through the specialty docket. Results indicate that case processing time was a significant predictor of rearrest for domestic violence. Offenders who had a prior domestic violence arrest were twice as likely to have a subsequent domestic violence arrest. Offenders who received a jail sentence were significantly more likely to have a subsequent domestic violence arrest. Policy implications and future research needs are also discussed.

Addiction is a serious problem that affects both individuals and society. It can involve drugs, alcohol, or behaviors like gaming and social media. These addictions often come from stress, loneliness, low self-esteem, and social pressure. They affect the brain and make it hard for people to control their actions or make healthy choices. Recreation means fun and meaningful activities that people choose to do in their free time. These can be physical, creative, social, or naturebased. Recreation helps people feel better, reduce stress, and build stronger social connections. It gives them a healthy way to spend time and feel good without using harmful substances. This chapter explains how recreation can help prevent addiction. Physical activity, for example, improves mood and body image. Art and music let people express feelings in healthy ways. Spending time in nature helps the brain relax and focus. Social and volunteer activities build self-worth and reduce feelings of isolation. Recreation also helps people learn discipline and manage their time better. These skills are important in avoiding risky behaviors. Research shows that when people have satisfying things to do in their free time, they are less likely to turn to drugs or unhealthy habits. In short, recreation is not just about fun. It is a powerful tool to improve health and protect people from addiction. It should be part of any plan to support individuals and build stronger, healthier communities.

The supervisory role of parole officers in the community is vital in guiding and monitoring the parolees to comply with the Parole Order and be a law abiding citizens in the community. Indirectly, they are responsible in protecting the welfare and safety of the community. However, in undertaking these obligations, the community parole officers are facing numerous legal and operational impediments. There is a paucity of research on the mechanism of surveillance of the parolees released on parole and the challenges facing the parole officers in community surveillance. Within this context, this paper aims at highlighting the abovementioned challenges facing the parole officers in their surveillance duties. This paper adopts a qualitative methodology, of which the primary data is obtained from four case studies of the regional prisons in Malaysia from where the parolees were released. Such data is triangulated with those obtained from the Parole Board and the parolees. The secondary data is the Prison Act 1995 and library-based sources and Internet sources. The authors contend that surveillance of the parolees is rather demanding on the parole officers as they are facing various challenges such as in developing the surveillance case plan to monitor the parolees. Also, their heavy workloads often hamper their abilities to perform their dual roles in the surveillance and rehabilitation of the parolees in the community.

This project funded by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) was a process and outcome evaluation of the Cook County State's Attorney's Deferred Prosecution Program.The topics of evidence-based programming and diversion programming are areas of continued interest with the criminal justice system in Illinois. This evaluation assisted in guiding ICJIA policy and practices and was conducted by an interdisciplinary team from CURL, Criminology and Social Work at Loyola University Chicago

The proposition that expelling individuals who commit three or more crimes could prevent over 80% of crime in the United States is a bold and controversial claim. This essay comprehensively examines this assertion by analyzing criminological research, recidivism statistics, and the Pareto principle, which suggests that a small percentage of offenders are responsible for the majority of crimes. Drawing on data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, international studies, and criminological theories, the essay evaluates the plausibility of the claim, while addressing ethical, legal, and practical challenges. The evidence supports the idea that habitual offenders with three or more convictions contribute disproportionately to crime, making the proposed policy potentially effective but fraught with complexities. This analysis advocates for a balanced approach that considers rehabilitation and prevention alongside punitive measures.

There is an expanding number of prostitution problem-solving courts; however, empirical findings regarding the mental health needs of participants in these specialty courts are sparse. This study examines the mental health needs and coping resources of 33 participants in a prostitution pre-sentencing program. Levels of trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress, posttraumatic growth, and religious coping were compared to 60 participants in a prostitution problem-solving court. Both groups endorsed extensive trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress. Still, the pre-sentencing participant's levels of posttraumatic growth and religious coping were substantial. Despite no group differences in trauma exposure or religious coping, pre-sentencing participants' levels of posttraumatic stress were significantly higher and their posttraumatic growth significantly lower, than the problem-solving court participants. Moderation analysis showed the relation between posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth varied depending on whether participants were in the pre-sentencing or problem-solving court. Posttraumatic stress inversely predicted posttraumatic growth for pre-sentencing participants but not for problem-solving court counterparts. The divergence in the relationship between variables was greatest for participants with the highest posttraumatic stress. Research-guided assessments of mental health needs and coping resources can inform the recruitment of participants and the development and implementation of these programs.

There is an expanding number of prostitution problem-solving courts; however, empirical findings regarding the mental health needs of participants in these specialty courts are sparse. This study examines the mental health needs and coping resources of 33 participants in a prostitution pre-sentencing program. Levels of trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress, posttraumatic growth, and religious coping were compared to 60 participants in a prostitution problem-solving court. Both groups endorsed extensive trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress. Still, the pre-sentencing participant’s levels of posttraumatic growth and religious coping were substantial. Despite no group differences in trauma exposure or religious coping, pre-sentencing participants’ levels of posttraumatic stress were significantly higher and their posttraumatic growth significantly lower, than the problem-solving court participants. Moderation analysis showed the relation between posttraumatic stress and posttraumati...

Inmate-to-inmate sexual coercion remains a relatively unexplored topic within correctional literature, especially concerning female inmates. Using data gathered in March 2000 via questionnaires with 245 inmates in a southern female correctional facility, the authors examine various demographic characteristics of victim and perpetrator inmate-to-inmate sexual coercion. Respondents were asked a series of questions regarding their victimization and/or perpetration of threatened or completed forced sexual assault encounters with other inmates. Over four percent of the inmates reported that they had been sexually coerced by other female inmates and two percent had sexually coerced another inmate. Policy implications are also addressed in the study.

Using results from a formative evaluation, this article describes the transitional rehabilitation housing pilot (TRHP) program located in two metropolitan Canadian cities. TRHP is an innovative community mental health service, created to support hospitalized forensic patients in their transition to living independently in the community. The evaluation used a multimethod, multi-informant approach to describe TRHP services and assess their quality. Results suggest that TRHP is serving the intended population and generally being implemented as planned. Stakeholders identified numerous strengths and weaknesses of the program. Findings are discussed in the context of previous research and their implications for future program development.

The Transitional Rehabilitation Housing Pilot (TRHP) was designed to transition hospitalized forensic patients to the community. Twenty clients and their clinicians in two Ontario cities completed measures on functioning, substance use, recovery, social support, and quality of life at admission to the program and then every 6 months until 18 months post-admission. Clients also responded to open-ended questions on the impact of the program and living in the community on their recovery. Three (15%) clients re-offended. Eleven clients (55%) experienced rehospitalization; however, brief rehospitalization was seen as part of the recovery process. Level of community functioning was stable across time and 35% of clients had a decrease in the restrictiveness of their disposition order. Clients described numerous characteristics of community living that contributed to improvements in functioning, such as integration into the community, social contact, and newfound independence. Some aspects of TRHP that encouraged recovery included developing new skills and knowledge, staff support, and the programming that engaged clients in treatment and recovery-oriented activities. Findings suggest that forensic patients can transition successfully into the community with appropriate support and housing.

A majority of men incarcerated are fathers, but little research has been conducted on the children's well-being after their father's release from incarceration. We measured changes in internalizing and externalizing problems (based on father's and female partner's report) across a 34-month period among children ages 6-17 (n = 431). Results suggested increased internalizing and externalizing problems in older children, increased internalizing problems when fathers had problem alcohol use, and a moderating role of father-child coresidence and father-child relationship. Programs to promote paternal well-being and father-child relationships before and after reentry may benefit children of incarcerated fathers.