Establishing a Risk-Dosage Research Agenda: Implications for Policy and Practice

Abstract

Numerous studies on the risk principle provide evidence that correctional practitioners should vary treatment by risk by providing more services to higher risk offenders than to lower risk offenders. Until recently, however, few studies have identified how much more treatment is required to impact recidivism for higher risk offenders compared to their lower risk counterparts. This article summarizes the empirical evidence on the risk-dosage relationship, identifies remaining gaps in the literature, and argues for a comprehensive research agenda that focuses on the most effective execution of risk-based dosage in corrections. Findings from current studies are also discussed in terms of policy and practical implications for the field.