Offender Program Research Articles

Art therapy in mitigating pervasive loss and grief within correctional settings

Those incarcerated often experience different types of loss. Because of where they are, such experiences often result in unresolved, unacknowledged, disenfranchised grief. Recognizing such vulnerability by those who are incarcerated is often difficult and, in some ways, dangerous. Not addressing such losses further exacerbates their chances of completing any respective programs established for success. Art therapy has been effective in alleviating such complications, including for those incarcerated inside correctional institutions. This article draws from the authors’ experiences of providing art therapy services in a statewide program for youthful offenders–those who are 14–22 years old but in the adult institutions–to mitigate obstacles for completing their General Education Degree—and will provide an overview of the various losses that incarcerated individuals experience, their potential grief responses, and the value of art therapy in addressing such grief. The case vignettes provided underscore how, as their expressions were made visible and subsequently seen, validated and acknowledged through art therapy, the incarcerated youth were able to begin the process of moving beyond their grief and attend to their goals, allowing them to succeed in their respective programs, which may include but are not limited to; re-entry focused, substance abuse, GED prep classes, college courses and technical trade programs.

From bars to breakthroughs: the application of self-determination theory to offender programs

ABSTRACT The forensic rehabilitation literature is replete with studies that delve into the effectiveness of offending programs while also critiquing claims about their efficacy. Consideration of the efficacy of offending programs aimed at reducing recidivism among the forensic population is crucial, however, what appears to be consistently overlooked is the incorporation of underlying behaviour change theories into the development of these programs. Specifically, there is a notable lack of research exploring the mechanisms of behavioural change within offending programs, as well as the maintenance of these changes to ultimately facilitate desistance. This paper considers current program shortcomings, suggests the adoption of Self-Determination Theory as a potential theoretical foundation for offending programs, and explores how this theory could be applied to programs for the forensic population.

Restorative justice for adult offenders in South Australia: judicial perspectives and insights

ABSTRACT Restorative justice seeks to address harms arising from criminal conduct, with a focus that extends beyond punishment. While Australia has embraced restorative justice practices for young and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders, programs for adult offenders have been comparatively slow to progress. Despite the reliance on judicial officers as the primary referral mechanism, there is limited research examining their views of restorative justice, particularly in the context of adult offenders. This paper presents the findings from a survey and interviews with judicial officers in one Australian jurisdiction: South Australia. There was clear support for restorative justice measures for adult offenders for a broad range of offences. Some concerns were raised with respect to victims’ safety, and the additional time and resources that restorative justice expends. Overall, the study found that the judicial officers who participated would welcome the introduction of a restorative justice program for adult offenders. With this support, and the potential benefits of restorative justice for victims, offenders, and the community, South Australia should consider extending its restorative justice offerings to adult offenders.

Examining the impact of a group treatment using cognitive and social cognition remediation for young offenders: The justice health NSW school-link advantage pilot study.

Young offenders experience higher rates of neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders than the general population, and significant access barriers to health treatment. Treatment combining Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) and Social Cognition Remediation Therapy (SCRT) has demonstrated benefits for functional improvements and social development. However, there is limited information regarding group treatment programs in custodial settings for young offenders. This pilot study explores the effectiveness and feasibility of a group treatment program for youth offenders with cognitive deficits and mental health concerns in youth detention. The School-Link Advantage pilot study designed and tested a 10-week group treatment program combining CRT and SCRT for young offenders in custody. The closed groups incorporated interactive activities focussed on emotional recognition and regulation skills, optimizing executive functioning, understanding values, exploring belief systems, improving relationships, and safety planning. Of the 22 male participants recruited in an Australian Youth Justice Centre, 12 completed all aspects of the treatment program, reflecting a 54.5% completion rate in a typically challenging to engage population cohort. Results demonstrated significant improvements in the ability to store and retrieve information, recognize information, and control emotions. Planning and organizing skills also showed considerable development. This pilot study suggests that a combined CRT and SCRT group treatment program has the potential to effectively target cognitive challenges associated with mental health disorders in young offenders in custody. These promising outcomes suggest exploring randomized controlled trials with increased cultural sensitivity for diverse populations.

A pilot study regarding the feasibility and efficacy of an outpatient treatment program for young adult high-risk offenders (YAHOP).

This pilot study examines whether the Young Adult Habitual Offender Program (YAHOP), an intensive and outpatient program, is related to a reduction in the general risk of recidivism, common forensic symptomology as well as cognitive distortions. The program integrity (PI) was assessed, with the intent to explore the relationship between the level of PI and any changes in several outcome variables. Additionally, the study examines whether participants with a migration background benefitted equally from YAHOP compared to participants with a native Dutch background. The sample comprised n = 90 high-risk young adult offenders. Results show a decrease in general risk of recidivism. The dynamic risk factors delinquent social network, insufficient impulse control, and dysfunctional problem-solving skills also show a decrease, as well as the forensic symptoms of aggression and anger. Effect sizes are small, except for anger, which has a medium effect size. We found no change in cognitive distortions and problematic substance use. YAHOP shows to be responsive and culturally sensitive, as the participants with a migration background show a significant decrease in general risk of recidivism. No moderator analysis was conducted due to an overall low level of program integrity. After improving program integrity, full-scale quantitative research is needed as YAHOP has the potential as a promising desistance program for high-risk offenders, as in this study the 56 non-completers were also included.

“If we don’t take them off our streets, they’re going to continue to prey on innocent people.”

Mass incarceration and high rates of recidivism in the United States have long been discussed in the scientific literature. A punitive culture has fostered harsh punishments and incarceration without considerable effects on recidivism rates. At the same time, research has indicated that rehabilitative measures and treatment programs for offenders have positive effects on their reintegration into society and help to reduce recidivism rates. In the present study, the discourse surrounding recidivism in the New York Times and the New York Post is investigated with a corpus of 666,290 words. The analyses indicate that the New York Times encourages a discussion of rehabilitative measures and adopts a view of recidivism that highlights recidivists’ potential for change. The New York Post, on the other hand, takes a more conservative approach and adopts a more dire view of recidivists, considering recidivism as a character trait rather than an indicator for the relative success of rehabilitation programs.

Scaling up effective juvenile delinquency programs by focusing on change levers: Evidence from a large meta‐analysis

AbstractResearch summaryThe primary outcome desired for juvenile delinquency programs is the cessation of delinquent and related problematic behaviors. However, this outcome is almost always pursued by attempting to change intermediate outcomes, such as family functioning, improved mental health, or peer relations. We can conceptualize intermediate outcomes that are related to reduced delinquency as change levers for effective intervention. A large meta‐analysis identified several school‐related change levers, including school engagement (i.e., improved attendance and reduced truancy), nondelinquent problem behaviors, and attitudes about school and teachers. In addition, family functioning and reducing substance use were also effective change levers. In contrast, effects on youth getting/keeping a job, peer relationships, and academic achievement were not associated with reduced delinquency.Policy implicationsOnly a small percentage of rehabilitative programs provided to youth involved in the juvenile justice system have been established as evidence based. Moreover, there are constraints on what local policy makers and practitioners can do regarding the selection, adoption, and implementation of programs from the available lists of evidence‐based programs. Adopting programs that focus on effective change levers and avoiding those that concentrate on ineffective ones has the potential to increase the likelihood that a local agency is engaged in effective programming. Based on our data, programs known to improve family functioning, attachment to and involvement in schooling, and reducing substance use are justified by the change lever evidence, even if these programs’ effectiveness in reducing delinquency has not been directly proven. In contrast, programs focusing on vocational skills, academic achievement, and peer relations are less likely to be beneficial. Furthermore, a change lever perspective can help frontline staff select appropriate programs for different juvenile offenders and focus their quality control efforts on those aspects of a program that are likely to be essential to maintaining effectiveness.

Participants' Experiences of Sex Offender Treatment: Searching for Desisting Narrative Identities.

Life-course criminology has demonstrated the importance of social relationships and life transitions to understand desistance. Yet, individuals convicted of sexual offenses seem to differ in terms of turning points, where treatment is suggested as salient to their desistance processes. Drawing on 13 teller-focused interviews with adult male incarcerated participants in a new Swedish sex offender program, this paper examines the treatment experience and the under-explored aspect of early desistance, as well as the role of society and social relations in the treatment process, through a practice-oriented lens. The thematic analysis suggests participants started developing desisting narrative identities where micro turning points in treatment contributed to offenses being explained and re-integrated into a sense of the self as an acceptable person. The process, which also enabled active responsibility, seemed to be facilitated by a holistic, person-centered treatment environment. Nonetheless, continued desistance requires adequate attention to social support and stigma management post-release.

Salutogenesis as a Mediator in Decreased Criminal Thinking: An Evaluation of Cognitive Programs for Juvenile and Adult Offenders

ABSTRACT This study is based on two previous studies that showed a post-treatment decrease in total criminal thinking (PICTS) and an increase in total sense of coherence (SOC) among youths and adults. The current study investigated whether these interventions changed the sub-scales of PICTS and SOC, and whether an increase in SOC would mediate a decrease in PICTS. Among both groups, the mean value of the sub-factors of PICTS decreased by the interventions, and increased for SOC sub-factors meaningfulness and manageability. Only among the adults, the increase in total sense of coherence and the sub-factor of manageability mediated the decrease of criminal thinking.

Restrictive measures applied to persons perpetrators of domestic violence: national and foreign experience

The article establishes that in modern conditions, punishment for criminal offenses related to domestic violence, as a traditional measure of a criminal law nature, cannot overcome all challenges in the field of protection of «healthy» family relations which, in turn, actualizes the possibility to apply and other measures of a criminal law nature. In this regard, in 2017 the Law of Ukraine «On Amendments to the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes of Ukraine to implement the provisions of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence» was adopted, thus in criminal law Ukraine has an institute of restrictive measures.
 The article provides arguments in favor of attributing restrictive measures as measures of criminal law, not administrative law, and supports the position of the legislator on the legal regulation of their application in the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
 An attempt was made to determine the significance of the institution of restrictive measures, which, in the author's opinion, is to help prevent the commission of new criminal offenses against the victim of domestic violence; ensuring the educational impact on the offender by providing appropriate assistance within the implementation of the program for offenders or probation program, reducing the latency of relevant criminal offenses.
 An attempt has been made to study the institution of restrictive measures in some foreign countries, in particular: the USA, Australia, Belgium. The positive experience of which can be implemented by making appropriate changes to the legislation of Ukraine in terms of imposing restrictive measures on persons who commit domestic violence.
 It is proved that law enforcement practice, it can be said that the law enforcement practice of Ukraine and foreign countries clearly demonstrates that international law is developing through the recognition of state responsibility for domestic violence. Court decisions made in Ukraine and the European Court of Human Rights demonstrate that the practice in this category of cases is developing dynamically, and positive foreign experience needs to be implemented in domestic legislation and law enforcement practice. The vector of change should be aimed at the adoption of appropriate general measures by public authorities to counteract the underlying problem and prevent future ill-treatment by offenders.

Best practice in sexual offender rehabilitation and reintegration programs

PurposeThis paper aims to report on the results of a global search to identify the characteristics of successful sexual offender treatment programs, with a view to providing guidance for program development.Design/methodology/approachA keyword search was conducted of criminology and social science databases. Successful programs were selected on evaluations that used standard scientific designs.FindingsThis study identified 18 evaluations of 16 programs showing significant reductions in reconvictions. Most programs used cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), with both group and individual sessions; and many evidenced multisystemic therapy (MST) approaches involving families and/or local communities. CBT-based approaches were also common in the 20 unsuccessful programs identified in the study, although fewer MST-oriented features were in evidence. Noncustodial settings, and combined custodial-noncustodial settings, were also more prominent in the successful programs.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a shortage of studies focused on the specific components of successful treatment programs for sexual offenders, including for subsets of offenders, such as ethnic minority groups and women.Practical implicationsThe findings demonstrate the need for more investment in treatment programs with strict evaluation processes. New and modified programs are likely to benefit from the application of CBT, MST and a community-based reintegration component. More research is needed on effective elements of sexual offender treatment programs.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this appears to be the first study that examines features of successful sexual offender treatment programs, compared to unsuccessful programs, using a case-study approach. The findings reinforce the known value of CBT and systemic approaches as core features of programs but raise important questions about what other components are key to activating success.

Short-Term Brain-Based Growth Mindset Pilot Intervention Indicates Potential of Diversion Programs For Early Offenders in the Juvenile Justice System

The goal of the present research was to determine if a Brain-Based Growth Mindset Pilot Intervention implemented in a juvenile detention facility could change a set of beliefs surrounding self-efficacy and knowledge over one’s brain. Previous studies show that growth mindset interventions are most effective with youth from low socioeconomic households, and targeting changes in beliefs is particularly effective during adolescence because of the developmental milestones that accompany puberty. Detained juveniles tend to be adolescent minorities of low-income backgrounds with a higher number of adverse childhood experiences. Twenty-six detained juveniles participated in the pilot intervention. The intervention consisted of four, 30-minute lessons on neuroanatomy of the brain, neural plasticity, emotional regulation, and long-term neuronal development. Impact of the intervention was quantified by a Brain Health Intervention Scale (BHIS). The scale consisted of 31 affirm/deny statements that were designed to measure the knowledge gained or opinion changed by the participant about the brain. Analysis of pre- and postintervention scores on the BHIS indicate that this pilot intervention was a success with significant increases in knowledge from preintervention scores to post- intervention scores. Success in the intervention was negatively correlated with the number of previous detainments. Interventions that occur within the context of juvenile detentions must occur early, before multiple detainments have made it difficult to reverse the fixed mindset in previously detained youth. Results add further evidence that successful growth mindset interventions can be low-cost and light-touch. Brain-based growth mindset interventions must be explored early on as a diversion alternative for juvenile offenders.

Revitalization of Rehabilitation Based on Religious Moderation Towards Narcotics Abuse in Class II A Penitentiary Institution of Watampone

This study examines the revitalization of religious moderation-based development as a novel approach to rehabilitation within the Penitentiary. Significantly, the formulation of development based on religious moderation is proposed as the latest solution for the rejuvenation and refreshment of rehabilitation programs for drug offenders in Class II A Penitentiary Institution of Watampone. This research falls under the category of exploration and adopts the Participatory Action Research approach, normative juridical approach, empirical juridical approach, and normative theological approach. The findings of the study demonstrate that the revitalization of religious moderation-based development emphasizes indicators of national commitment, such as instilling patriotism, accommodating local culture by revitalizing the concept of self, understanding oneself as the best community (khairu ummah) who, in substance, utilizes sound reasoning as the earth's caretaker or as a representative of God, knowledgeable of good and evil, and reflecting religious moderation through adherence to the constitution and compliance with legislation. This includes refraining from consuming and misusing narcotics, in accordance with the mandate of Law No. 35 of 2009 concerning narcotics.

Development of an Evidence-based Violence Rehabilitation Program for Offenders With Intellectual Disability.

A review of the current literature on evidence-based violence prevention programs developed for individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) reveals a paucity of direct evidence for this population. In addition, the existing offence-specific programs are primarily grounded in adapted cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) programs designed for the mainstream offender population, which may not be suitable for offenders with co-morbid mental health and personality disorders. The current paper discusses the development of a violence rehabilitation program for offenders with an ID. The focus of the article is on the exploration of the empirically supported risk factors associated with violent offending and the incorporation of these dynamic risk factors into the program modules. A case study example was utilized to examine the process of VRP-ID and how the modules targeted the offenders' treatment needs. Responsivity issues are addressed by identifying cognitive difficulties experienced by this cohort and the implications for treatment. The Risk/Need/Responsivity (RNR) model and the good lives Model (GLM) are widely used offender rehabilitation models that can be considered the guiding principles in developing this program. Furthermore, it utilizes contemporary therapeutic frameworks such as motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and GLM reconceptualization and skills. The program is grounded in trauma-informed principles, which acknowledge this client group's high prevalence of victimization.

Homelessness and predictors of criminal reoffending: A retrospective cohort study.

There are not many longitudinal studies examining people experiencing homelessness and interacting with the criminal justice system over time. To describe the type of criminal offences committed, court outcomes, identify probable predictors of reoffending, and estimate the criminal justice costs in a cohort of homeless hostel clinic attendees. A retrospective cohort study of 1646 people attending a homeless clinic who had had contact with the criminal justice system (CJS) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, using linked clinic, criminal offence, health and mortality data from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2021. Initial comparisons were made with the 852 clinic attendees without CJS contact in the period. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of recidivism. There were 16,840 offending episodes, giving an offence rate of 87.8 per 100 person-years (95%CI: 86.5-89.1). The most common index offences were acts intended to cause injury (22%), illicit drug (17%) and theft-related (12%) offences. Most people (83%) were found guilty of the index offence and received a fine (37%) or community-based sentence (29%). Total court finalisation costs were AUD $11.3 million. Three-quarters of those convicted reoffended within 24months. Offenders were more likely to be younger, have a diagnosis of personality disorder (AOR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.04-1.67), a substance use disorder (AOR: 1.60; 95% CI 1.14-2.23) and/or to have a previous charge dismissed on mental health grounds (AOR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.31-2.46). Within the offending cohort, reoffenders had almost twice the odds of having theft-related offences as their principal index offence (AOR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.29-2.66). This longitudinal study finding of not only a high rate of criminal justice contact, but also a high rate of recidivism among people who have been homeless, lends support to a need for strategies both to address the root causes of homelessness and to provide a comprehensive systems-based response to reduce recidivism, that includes secure housing as well as mental health and substance use treatment programmes for homeless offenders.

Reimagining Probation Practice: Re-forming Rehabilitation in an Age of Penal Excess. By BurkeL.,CarrN., CluleyE., CollettS. and McNeillF. (eds) (Routledge, 2022, 247pp. £34.99 pbk)

Twenty authors have contributed to this collection of 13 essays. They are drawn from every branch of the ‘probation’ community—practitioners, inspectors, academic analysts and teachers. So, unsurprisingly, the quality of the expositions varies a good deal and, somewhat surprisingly, one voice is almost completely absent: that of offenders. Apart from a short quote from a bemused participant in a group work programme—a participant who clearly cannot see how he’s going to escape the traps surrounding him (p. 59)—the offender voice is absent. A bit of ‘lived experience’ would have leavened this sometimes ritualistically worthy loaf. The core message, around which all the contributors have mustered, is a plea, clearly set out in the editors’ introductory manifesto, that probation practitioners strive to retain and develop a commitment to the serious ambition of encouraging offender desistance. This objective is easier said than done given the context within which probation services are now delivered. Indeed, a mood of scarcely concealed desperation occasionally surfaces in the editors’ account. For the backcloth to probation work, be it the preparation of court reports, the supervision of community orders, the delivery of offender programmes or the resettlement of prisoners, is a scarred landscape of: gross and worsening social and economic inequality; increasing and deepening poverty; a housing rental market geared to ownership and inheritance of wealth rather than public utility; employment practices increasingly characterized by zero hour contracts and insecurity of tenure; and the partial collapse of major national and local authority public services whose remit includes the redress of the multiple trauma—childhood, familial, medical and military—which lies behind most serious offending.

Implementasi Rehabilitasi Medis dan Sosial Terhadap Narapidana Narkotika Pada Lembaga Pemasyarakatan

One of the development activities for inmates is the provision of medical rehabilitation and social rehabilitation for drug offenders. Implementation of medical and social rehabilitation for drug offenders at Class II B Gunung Sugih Prison in accordance with Director General of Prisons Order No. PAS-36.OT.02.02 of 2020 about Correctional Service Standards is the focus of this research. This study examines the adoption of medical and social rehabilitation programs for drug offenders. What obstacles impede the implementation of medical and social rehabilitation programs for drug offenders? This study employs a normative and empirical legal methodology. The findings indicate: The execution of medical and social rehabilitation for drug convicts begins with an assessment of the client's concerns so that medical and social rehabilitation can be applied promptly. Acceptance occurs after determining the nature of the client's problem, as well as his or her physical, psychological, social psychological, and level of expertise, while simultaneously assigning the client to several sorts of programs. The purpose of social and skill mentoring is to improve client interaction patterns, preserve emotional stability, build a sense of responsibility and discipline, and foster the desire to become a better individual. Insufficient medical equipment and infrastructure of buildings and special rooms prevent medical and social rehabilitation from taking place. There are drug users in prison who suffer from serious diseases and a lack of family support.

REFLECTIONS OF INCARCERATED YOUNG ADULTS IN A ROMANIAN DETENTION CENTER

Objective. Young people deprived of their freedom in the custody of education centres or detention centres are aged between 18 and 21, according to the criminal law. The aim of the study is to examine, through structured interviews with young people in a detention centre, how they experience incarceration. Method. The data collection is based on face-to-face structured interviewing. The study includes a group of 22 young people, all males aged 18-22 years, from a detention centre in Romania. They answered about their perception of the activities/programmes they are involved in, their relationship with colleagues and staff and what they would like to improve in the youth detention system. Results. Young people experience the period of incarceration as a challenge they have to face because of the daily routine. Phone communication with loved ones and work and sports activities are what most ease their longing for home and family. They feel betrayed by their friends in the free world and no longer want to be part of the entourage that causes them problems. They long for freedom and family and would like to have the possibility to work, and, and benefit of outings in the community. Conclusions. Intervention programmes for young offenders should focus on promoting healthy lifestyles, positive behavioural change and education programmes aimed at explaining prison policies and practices regarding young offenders' rights and teaching them how to follow up on abuse allegations. Keywords: youth, incarceration, detention centre, experience of freedom deprivation, resources, resilience.

Criminalization of failure to adhere to restrictive measures, restrictive orders or failure to complete a program for offenders as a way of criminal law prevention of domestic violence

Criminalization of failure to adhere to restrictive measures, restrictive orders or failure to complete a program for offenders as a way of criminal law prevention of domestic violence

Australian police detainees who use anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and their involvement in violent crimes compared to detainees using substances other than AAS

IntroductionAlthough anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use is associated with an increased risk of violent behaviour, this relationship is complex. Many methodological issues also exist with current studies and most focus on community or prison settings, targeting people who use AAS only. This will be the first Australian study to compare police detainees who at the time of arrest report the use of AAS with those who report using other substances in the past 12 months; focussing on demographic characteristics, most serious charged offences and presence of poly-drug use. MethodsData is drawn from the Drug Use Monitoring in Australia (DUMA) program, which collects data around drug use and criminal justice information from police detainees across Australia. Data was requested for 2017-2021. Our sample included 10,105 offenders who reported substance use, including 312 who had used AAS. ResultsWe found that detainees who had used AAS in the 12 months before their offence were charged with violent crimes (40.5%) at a similar rate to those who used substances other than AAS (36.5%). We found high rates of other substance use amongst AAS-using detainees, particularly alcohol and stimulants. Discussion and conclusionsCommitting violent offences does not seem to be a unique feature of individuals using AAS, with the prevalence of violent crime among detainees no different to those who use other substances. It however did form the most serious offence of the majority of detainees who used AAS. Drug programs for violent offenders to overcome their drug dependence and criminal offending are however absent.