Offenders In Custody Research Articles

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.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Emotional Management Programme for Male Adolescent Offenders in Custody

This mixed-methods study examines the effectiveness of the emotional management (EM) programme for male juvenile offenders in custody. EM is a 10-session cognitive-behavioural, skills-based group programme designed to target a range of general criminogenic needs. Paired group analyses were completed to examine the differences in pre- and post-programme scores for the total sample ( N = 110) and results were separated into programme completers ( n = 96), non-completers ( n = 14) and Indigenous youth ( n = 75). Consistent with expectations, the results showed statistically significant improvements in emotional regulation and statistically significant decreases in overall levels of aggressive thoughts and behaviours for programme completers and for Indigenous youth in our sample. Contrary to expectations, the results also indicated that programme non-completers showed improvements across the outcome measures, although these did not reach statistical significance. Qualitative analysis of participant programme feedback further supported the quantitative results and highlighted the importance of the therapeutic alliance, programme facilitation style and delivery. The findings contribute to the ‘what works’ research base on risk reduction approaches for youth offenders and provide insights into programme and process factors that improve the likelihood of positive treatment outcomes. Suggestions for programme improvements and future research directions are discussed.

Traumatic brain injury in young people in custody: Implications for community and educational inclusion

Aims:The aim of this narrative review is to explore the distinctive needs of young people in custody with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and the implications for rehabilitation, education, and community inclusion. Some research suggests a higher prevalence of TBI in the youth custodial population (Farrer et al., 2013; Hughes et al., 2015). TBI can result in neurocognitive and behavioural difficulties (Pavlovic et al., 2019) and has been associated with aggressive offending behaviour (Silver & Nedelec, 2020).Methods:The author conducted a multi-database search to find extant studies pertinent to identifying the distinctive needs of young people in custody with TBI. Studies were included in the review if they met the inclusion criteria and their findings were deemed highly relevant to Educational Psychology practice.Findings:After critically analysing the included studies, the findings support the hypothesis that a subset of young offenders in custody who have experienced TBI have distinctive needs.Conclusions and Limitations:The review concludes by discussing the implications for local authority services and makes recommendations for Educational Psychology practice. The author also discusses the limitations of this review, relating to inconsistencies in the literature, and limitations inherent to narrative review methodologies.

Personality Disorders and Correlates of Homicide Offenders: A Comparative Analysis

ABSTRACT Homicide is one of the most severe crimes in the criminal justice system. Evidence shows that the majority of offenders are likely to have a mental disorder. Studies have established a relationship between personality disorders, substance use and violence among offenders. The need to understand the concept of personality disorders related to homicide and non-homicide offending cannot be over-emphasized in low-and-middle-income countries. This study compared personality disorders, substance use, and correlates between homicide and non-homicide offenders. Faschingbauer’s Abbreviated Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (FAM) was used. Personality disorders were identified in a comparative study involving 204 homicide and non-homicide offenders in a Nigerian prison. Results indicated that paranoid personality disorder was prevalent among homicide offenders while antisocial personality disorder was prevalent among non-homicide offenders. The highest percentage of substance use was related to opioids among non-homicide offenders. The study helps to understand the importance of psychiatric assessment, mental health services and treatment options for offenders in custody.

Understanding the educational needs of young offenders: A prevalence study of traumatic brain injury and learning disabilities

Offenders in custody are often disadvantaged in terms of education. Research shows that providing and improving education in custody can help reduce the possibility of recidivism and high crime rates in young offenders. Among various factors that can impact on youth’s ability to engage effectively with education in custody, prevalence rates of neurodisabilities such as learning disabilities and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) remain high. Young offenders with neurodisabilities may present with various developmental, cognitive, intellectual, social functioning, language and communication deficits, that may impact on learner-teacher relationships and learning acquisition. For the purpose of this paper, we focused on learning disabilities and TBI given high prevalence rates for these neurodisabilities reported in the literature. We also report on general intellectual functioning given the association with specific learning disabilities. Despite contextual vulnerabilities, there is a dearth of literature on neurodisabilities and its associated impact on education for young offenders in South Africa.Our study sample included young offenders (n = 25) and controls (n = 56), aged 14–21 years. Measures of alcohol (AUDIT), substance use (MAP), learning disabilities and TBIs (CHAT), general intellectual functioning (WASI-II), and depression (BDI-II) were included for offenders and controls. Results show significant differences in TBI, alcohol use, substance use, and reported possible learning disabilities, with higher scores and rates for these factors, indicating poorer outcomes, in the young offender as compared to the control group. The young offender group also had significantly lower and therefore poorer verbal IQ (VIQ) scores than the control group. The results for VIQ were upheld even when the significant difference in age (young offenders were on average 5 years older) was controlled for.Results of this nature can potentially be used to inform rehabilitative efforts in our local youth centres for offenders in the hope of screening for various developmental and acquired neuro-disabilities so that rehabilitation strategies may be even more targeted for those with special education needs in of an already vulnerable population. Such results may also inform the schooling structures within such centres by providing profiles needs of offenders in custody based on screenings of neurodisabilities.

Youth homicide: a study of homicide predictor factors in adolescent offenders in custody in the south of Brazil.

To assess the sociodemographic, psychiatric and criminal profile of adolescent offenders complying with temporary custody for homicide/homicide attempt and to compare it to that of the population of adolescents in custody for other crimes. This cross-sectional study was based on the review of the medical records of 74 juvenile offenders in temporary custody at socioeducational agency Fundação de Atendimento Sócio-Educativo do Rio Grande do Sul. For the analysis, variables that presented p < 0.2 were included in multivariate adjustment through logistic regression. The sample comprised males only, mostly with white skin color (55.6 vs. 57.9% for homicidal and non-homicidal, respectively) and with a high prevalence of school failure (77.8 vs. 91.2%). There was a high prevalence of family history of delinquency (88 vs. 81%). Only years of study and belonging or not to a criminal organization remained statistically significant in the multivariate model. The results show that having fewer years of study and denying belonging to a criminal organization are predictive factors of homicidal behavior in adolescent offenders (both with statistical relevance). The other variables were not statistically significant for this outcome. The present study may serve as a basis for further research, which may improve our understanding of risk factors for juvenile homicide.

Dangerous Politics: Risk, Vulnerability, and Penal Policy (Clarendon Studies in Criminology) H. Annison. Oxford: Oxford University Press (2015) 288pp. £65.00hb ISBN 9780198728603

Dangerous Politics: Risk, Vulnerability, and Penal Policy (Clarendon Studies in Criminology) H. Annison. Oxford: Oxford University Press (2015) 288pp. £65.00hb ISBN 9780198728603

The impact of coping style, self-efficacy, emotional reaction and resilience on trauma related intrusive thoughts

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of coping style, self-efficacy, resilience and emotional reaction of trauma-related intrusions in young offenders. Design/methodology/approach – This is a quantitative study using questionnaires. The sample was 152 young offenders in custody who were approached in their residential hall. Upon agreeing to participate they were given 24 hours to complete the questionnaire pack and returned these to the researcher at a designated time and place. Findings – Over 90 per cent of the sample indicated at least one traumatic event; 33.6 per cent indicated eight or more. Number of traumatic events did not impact on self-efficacy, resilience or coping strategy used. The type of coping strategy did not significantly impact on emotional reaction to intrusions across trauma groups. Participants with higher self-efficacy demonstrated greater problem-focused coping and less emotional reaction to intrusions. Participants with greater resilience scores utilised more problem and emotion-focused coping and experienced less emotional reaction to their intrusions. Resilience was predicted by self-efficacy and emotional reaction to intrusions. Practical implications – Professionals working with young offenders with trauma-related intrusions should focus on building strengths in the areas of problem-focused coping, self-efficacy and resilience. Originality/value – This paper adds to the literature on trauma in male young offenders by looking at psychological factors which could be developed upon to improve ability to manage intrusive thoughts.

Prevalence and nature of mental disorders among young offenders in custody and community: A meta-analysis

IntroductionPrevalence studies show that nearly 80% of young offenders present psychiatric comorbidity. Juvenile offenders are at 3 times higher risk of being diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Recent systematic reviews have mainly focused on youth in detention neglecting youth in the community. Females and ethnic minorities have been overlooked in the literature in spite of the increasing rates of psychiatric disorders striking these groups.ObjectiveTo perform a meta-analysis on the prevalence rates of various mental disorders including depression, psychosis, PTSD, conduct disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities and personality disorders among young offenders. Self-harm and suicidal behaviour are examined too.AimsTo compare the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among young offenders across custody and community and to emphasise on gender, age, and ethnic variations.MethodsRelevant studies have been identified with computer-assisted searching and scanning of reference lists. Prevalence of mental disorders based on gender, age and ethnicity along with potential moderating factors are extracted from the included studies. Meta-regression is performed to test covariates that might have contributed to differences in prevalence rates across studies.ResultsAfter searching the relevant literature, 99 studies were determined to be eligible for data extraction.ConclusionsYoung offenders with ongoing mental health problems comprise a vulnerable group within forensic psychiatric services that needs special attention. More prevalence studies should be conducted to improve mental health provision. Ethnic, gender, and age variations across young offenders should be addressed and turn interventions into a tailored process that responds to the young person's particular treatment needs.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Psychopathic features in young incarcerated females

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between psychopathic features as measured with the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV) and behavioural and emotional functioning in young female offenders in custody. Design/methodology/approach – This is a quantitative interview study investigating the relationship with psychopathic traits, measured with the PCL:YV (Forth et al., 2003), and different psychological characteristics as well as AD/HD, self-harm, and childhood trauma in adolescent offenders across genders. Data were collected from a sample of 40 female and 40 male adolescents who were incarcerated in Victoria, Australia. Findings – Results indicated that the behavioural subscales of the PCL:YV were associated with externalising behaviours possibly underpinned by histories of abuse and substantiated child protection incidences. The presence of AD/HD was strongly associated with affective deficits suggesting that the PCL:YV may be identifying young females with AD/HD rather than core psychopathic traits. Findings also indicate that female-specific manifestations of manipulation are likely being misidentified as behavioural phenomena precluding clinical recognition as a core interpersonal trait. Significant dissimilarities with a young male comparison group were identified and are discussed within. Research limitations/implications – The sample size is very small and the results should be seen as an indication rather than generalising. Originality/value – Studies on female juvenile offenders is rare and this study adds to the literature on the construct of psychopathy and its relationship to psychosocial factors as well as associations with AD/HD, self-harm, and childhood trauma, among incarcerated adolescents.

The PCL: YV and re-offending across ethnic groups

Purpose– The psychopathy checklist: youth version (PCL: YV) checklist is an assessment of youth psychopathic traits and is regularly validated by way of its associations with re-offending and violence. Yet existing research has been conducted with predominantly white Caucasian cohorts and extant evidence suggests that associations with recidivism are stronger in samples with greater proportions of white offenders. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– This study investigated the cross-cultural validity of the PCL: YV for an ethnically diverse Australian sample of 175 young male offenders in custody. Participants were assessed in custody with the PCL: YV and offending data were collected post-release for up to 18 months.Findings– PCL: YV total and domain scores were comparable across ethnicity; however the instrument demonstrated stronger relationships with recidivism for Australian participants with an English speaking background compared to Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse participants.Practical implications– The authors advocate the cautionary employment of the PCL: YV as a violence risk prediction instrument with minority young offenders regionally, pending further evidence.Originality/value– This study addresses the capacity of the PCL: YV to predict violence across different ethnic groups. Cross-cultural youth psychopathy research is currently inadequate and existing studies suggest that the PCL: YV is a weaker predictor of violence in culturally diverse samples. This investigation provides much needed information on the capacity of the PCL: YV to extend to different ethnic groups who are represented Australia’s youth prison population. This is the first study of its kind regionally, and more importantly is the first PCL: YV study with an Indigenous Australian comparison group. This is particularly important given that Indigenous Australians are heavily overrepresented in Australia’s criminal justice system and require appropriate risk assessment measures to ensure they are not misclassified. Research such as this is now of particular interest given the recent judicial decision made in Ewert vs Canada.

Working with transgendered sex offenders: prison staff experiences

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the experiences of staff working with transgendered sex offenders in a prison setting. Design/methodology/approach – The study utilised a qualitative approach, with semi-structured interviews used to explore the experiences of staff working with transgendered sexual offenders (n=6). Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings – Three themes were identified in the data. The first relates to how staff become educated on transgender issues and the content of this information. The second describes situations in which boundaries are overstepped by both transgender offenders and others in the prison. The third relates to the ways in which staff manage change, such as tailoring treatment to specific needs and being mindful of what adaptations may be required. Research limitations/implications – The main drawback of this research was the limited sample; female prison staff. Future research should expand this sample to encompass male staff and staff working in alternate category prisons. Practical implications – The research illustrates the utility of staff collaboration with transgendered sex offenders on transgender issues but also suggests some additional guidance is required when it comes to determining the boundaries. Staff may also benefit from more education on the possible ways in which a transgendered identity can impact on criminogenic needs. Originality/value – The present research offers insight into the current state of care and management of transgendered offenders in custody and the nature of interactions between staff and this minority group. At present, there is limited research in this area.

Sentencing for Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Contexts

This report examines sentencing law and practice in Australia in relation to child sexual abuse committed in an institutional context. It covers the principles of sentencing, sentencing standards and the range of non-sentencing statutory measures available to detain offenders in custody, as well as restrictions and monitoring of their movement. It also considers organisational responsibility for CSA and the sanctions that may be imposed upon institutions.

Does the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory Generalize Across Ethnicity?

Few studies have explored the cross-cultural utility of youth violence risk instruments. Moreover both the discrimination and calibration performance indicators of such instruments are rarely investigated. This study aimed to address both gaps in the literature by exploring the predictive validity of the YLS/CMI instrument for an Australian multi-ethnic cohort of young offenders in custody. The YLS/CMI total score was able to discriminate between re-offenders and non-reoffenders for the overall sample; however, a breakdown across ethnicity showed only strong effects for Australian English Speaking Background youth. Despite an inability to distinguish re-offenders from non-reoffenders for both Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and Indigenous youth, the instrument was able to accurately predict recidivism for high-risk youth for all ethnic groups. Findings highlight the importance of adopting both calibration and discrimination indicators when assessing predictive validity.

Attempted Suicide, Self-Harm, and Psychological Disorder Among Young Offenders in Custody.

This study aims to identify risk factors for suicide and self-harm among young offenders. The data are from the 2009 New South Wales Young People in Custody Health Survey. The sample (N = 313) were 88% male and 48% Aboriginal. Sixteen percent reported ever having suicidal thoughts and 10% reported a suicide attempt. Twenty-one percent reported thoughts of self-harm and 16% reported actual self-harm. Female young offenders reported higher rates of suicidal behavior and self-harm compared to males. Significant correlates of attempted suicide and self-harm included childhood adversity and psychiatric disorder. This study finds that young offenders are at high risk of suicidal and self-harm behaviors. Early identification and support among this vulnerable group are critical.

Traumatic brain injury in juvenile offenders: findings from the comprehensive health assessment tool study and the development of a specialist linkworker service.

Young people in contact with the youth juvenile justice system have well-documented vulnerabilities including high rates of mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders. Studies have suggested that they may also be at increased risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI). (1) To describe the profile of a cohort of juvenile offenders with TBI and associated comorbidity with other neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health needs, and offending behavior. (2) To describe the development of a specialist brain injury service for juvenile offenders with TBI within custody. Ninety-three male participants aged 15 to 18 years were consecutively admitted to a custodial secure facility. They were evaluated using a range of different neurocognitive and mental health measures including the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire and the Comprehensive Health Assessment Tool. Eight-two percent of those interviewed reported experiencing at least 1 TBI, and 44% reported ongoing neuropsychological symptoms. Eighteen percent of those sustaining a TBI reported moderate-severe postconcussion symptoms. There is a high prevalence of TBI in juvenile offenders in custody, with many experiencing multiple episodes. This study highlights the need for further research in this area. An example of a specialist brain injury linkworker service is described as one example of a model of service delivery for this group.

The prevalence of traumatic brain injury among young offenders in custody: a systematic review.

To examine the prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among young people in custody and to compare this with estimates within the general youth population. Systematic review of research from various national contexts. Included studies were assessed for the relevance of the definition of TBI and the research population, and the quality of the study design. Ten studies were identified for inclusion in the review. Four of these studies included control groups. No studies examining comorbidity of TBI and other neurodevelopmental disorders among incarcerated young people were identified. Reported prevalence rates of brain injury among incarcerated youth range from 16.5% to 72.1%, with a rate of 100% reported among a sample of young people sentenced to death. This suggests considerable levels of need among incarcerated young people. Where control groups or directly comparable studies within the general population exist, there is strong and consistent evidence of a prevalence of TBI among incarcerated youth that is substantially greater than that in the general population. This disparity is seemingly more pronounced as the severity of the injury increases.

Intimate relationships between female prisoners: Fact or fiction?

This paper explores the prevalence of intimate same-sex relationships between female offenders in custody. In the female prison estate, this phenomenon is often discussed but has rarely been studied. The prevalence of relationships between female offenders in custody in the UK is generally unknown and this paper seeks to develop the evidence-base in this under-researched area. In this study, female prisoners (N=92) completed a questionnaire exploring their relationship status; gender of partner; prison relationships; length of current relationship; number of previous relationships and previous relationships with prisoners. Results indicated that of those currently in a relationship, 27 per cent were in a relationship with another female prisoner and eight per cent were in a relationship with a female in the community. Some of the implications of relationships between female offenders are examined including complex risk management issues, duty of care, as well as the function of these relationships.

Complex Health Needs in the Youth Justice System: A Survey of Community-Based and Custodial Offenders

Estimate the prevalence and annual frequency of health risk indicators in young people serving community-based orders (CBOs) and custodial orders in the state of Victoria, Australia. Cross-sectional survey of 242 young people serving CBOs and 273 serving custodial orders in Victoria in 2002-2003. Validated measures included the Composite International Diagnostic Interview for substance dependence, Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire for depression, and Psychosis Screening Questionnaire for psychosis symptoms. Prevalence estimates were adjusted for sampling bias and age- and sex-adjusted for between-group comparisons. Prevalence estimates were applied to 2010-2011 Victorian youth justice data to estimate annual frequencies at the state level. The prevalence of substance dependence, poor mental health, and risky sexual behavior was high in both groups. Age- and sex-adjusted prevalence estimates were generally higher among those serving custodial orders; however, extrapolating prevalence estimates to statewide youth justice data generally resulted in higher estimated annual frequencies among CBOs. For example, the estimated prevalence of any substance dependence was 66% (95% confidence interval [CI], 60-72) in those serving custodial orders and 34% (95% CI, 26-42) in CBOs, but the estimated frequency of substance dependence in CBOs in 2010-2011 was 970 (95% CI, 750-1,180), compared with 490 (95%CI, 450-530) in those serving a custodial order. There is a compelling case for scaling up health services for young offenders in custody and in the community, and for routinely monitoring the health of young offenders serving custodial and community orders.

How does prison visiting affect female offenders' mental health? Implications for education and development

PurposeThe aims of this paper are to determine the state of visiting for women in the English prison system and to explore the relationship between women's mental health and visits in prison.Design/methodology/approachFor the purpose of this paper the authors conducted a review of the literature. All literature published from 1983 onwards was included to coincide with the introduction of Pat Carlen's (1983) campaigning group Women in Prison (WIP). The review focused on all literature from England and Wales to reflect the National Criminal Justice System and used an inclusion criteria to achieve this.FindingsThe review revealed key themes including visit rejection, the importance of visits for maintaining identity and the contradicting emotions that women in prison experience when visited.Originality/valueSocial relationships and family ties are protective factors for prisoners' mental wellbeing, yet the number and frequency of visits to offenders in custody has declined. The potential role for prison visiting schemes to improve the mental wellbeing of women in custody is explored, including the implications for the education and training of staff and visitors involved in the visiting process.