Offending Behaviour Programmes Research Articles

"One a Day Keeps the Prison Away": Understanding the Experiences of Individuals Convicted of Sexual Offences Receiving Anti-Androgens for the Treatment of Problematic Sexual Arousal.

Problematic sexual arousal (PSA) is an umbrella term to describe a range of clinical presentations related to excessive sexual thinking (e.g., sexual preoccupation) and sexual behavior (e.g., hypersexuality). Although such concepts are known to affect sexual recidivism among individuals convicted of sexual offences, PSA is not routinely or directly targeted in offending behavior programs in England and Wales. However, in recent years, there have been moves to incorporate pharmacological interventions for addressing this among people with sexual offence histories. Although some work to understand the experiences of those taking SSRI medication for this purpose has emerged, little is known about the experiences of service users taking anti-androgen medication. In this study, we interviewed all individuals in prison taking anti-androgens for the treatment of problematic sexual arousal following convictions for sexual offences in England at the time of data collection (N = 10). Using a phenomenologically oriented thematic analysis, we established themes pertaining to "Differing needs: Motivations for treatment," "Medication as a risk management strategy," and how the medication helped the men in their pursuit of "Discovering a 'new me'." This work contributes important knowledge to inform the development of ethical and effective prescribing of anti-androgen medication with this population and offer recommendations for both future research and the development of clinical practice.

Substance related offending behaviour programme (SROBP): exploring male prisoner’s experiences of treatment and application of learning

PurposeCognitive-behavioural interventions, such as the substance related offending behaviour programme (SROBP), are being implemented across forensic contexts in an attempt to address the detrimental economic, social and personal impacts of substance use and offending. Whilst support exists for the effectiveness of such treatment, there remains to be limited knowledge of offenders’ experiences of treatment and factors that promote treatment efficacy and support desistance. This study aims to develop an idiographical understanding of those processes.Design/methodology/approachSix prisoners who had completed the SROBP were interviewed via a semi-structured schedule to collate their individual experiences of engaging in treatment. Interviews transcripts were analysed by the lead researcher using interpretative phenomenological analysis, and external auditing analysis was conducted by the research supervisors.FindingsThree superordinate themes resulted: “Therapeutic processes and relationships,” “Therapeutic outcomes” and “Threats to post treatment recovery.” Participants identified factors which facilitated the effectiveness of treatment and were effective in meeting their needs, although there were other factors that required improvement.Practical implicationsThe important role of motivation at various stages of treatment as this engenders commitment to treatment aims and longer-term recovery. Treatment efficacy is linked with perceived relevance and value of treatment outcomes in supporting desistence from substance use. Pro-social peer relationships are important for effective application of learning and recovery. Attentiveness to participants specific needs is required. The lack of post-programme support has the potential to threaten therapeutic alliances and reinforce experiences of rejection and abandonment. The management of the exit phase from programmes is critical.Originality/valueResults are discussed in light of their implications for future working practices in supporting therapeutic processes and rehabilitative culture.

Learning disability screening: impact on prison programmes

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine staff views’ of the usefulness of the Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) screening tools for learning disability and/or learning challenges (LDC) on offending behaviour programme selection and programme participant’s learning experiences.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 11 treatment managers (TMs) and 10 programme graduates across 4 prison sites, from a range of HMPPS accredited programmes were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed, analysed and interpreted using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) method of thematic analysis.FindingsOverall, TMs found the screening tools useful in aiding programme allocation decisions, particularly, in terms of the triangulated approach and were, in general, using them in line with the guidance. A number of key factors influenced programme allocation decisions, including participant factors, information gathered from a number of sources and from a range of staff and in collaboration with the individual. The importance of being responsive to the needs of the individual was highlighted. Group participants generally felt they were on the right programme according to their needs and found the programmes responsive. Suggestions for further research and improving programme selection are made.Research limitations/implicationsData were collected from four prisons, each providing a number of different accredited programmes. Caution is, therefore, needed when generalising the findings.Originality/valueThis research contributes to ensuring that those with LDC have equality of opportunity in reducing their risk of reoffending through accessing HMPPS accredited offending behaviour programmes most responsive to their learning needs. It also contributes to the growing evidence base about the effective use of LDC screening tools in forensic settings.

Risk relevance of psychometric assessment and evaluator ratings of dynamic risk factors in high‐risk violent offenders

PurposeRelatively little research has been conducted with high‐risk violent (non‐sexual) offenders to establish whether measures administered to evaluate change during offending behaviour programmes contain risk relevant information. The present study aims to contribute to the evidence base relevant to decisions concerning whether or not psychometric assessments indicate how the violence risk presented by an individual may be understood differently pre‐ to post‐treatment.MethodsTwo hundred and twenty‐seven persistently violent offenders participating in Correctional Service of Canada’s Violence Prevention Program were assessed on measures of anger, impulsivity, and dynamic items of the Violence Risk Scale (VRS; Wong & Gordon, 1999–2003; Violence Risk Scale, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, CA) prior to and after programme completion and subsequently followed up in the community for an average of 3 years. Data were examined using receiver operating characteristic and logistic regression analyses employing fixed follow‐ups.ResultsWith pre‐treatment status controlled, change on few of the measures convincingly predicted violent or general recidivism. An exception was that changes in VRS dynamic score were associated with decreased general (but not violent) recidivism, controlling for baseline pre‐treatment risk.ConclusionsThe measures tested are widely used to evaluate progress in violence interventions yet the implicit assumption that they contain risk relevant information has not been empirically validated. Since reduction in dynamic risk factors translates into reduced likelihood of reoffending, but psychometric measures provide little indication of change in recidivism risk, treatment providers are advised to carefully contextualize pre‐ to post‐treatment change within a comprehensive evaluation of static and dynamic risk using a measure such as the VRS. Present results are discussed further in terms of implications for policy and clinical practice, as well as future research directions.

Evaluation of offending behaviour programme selection: the PNA

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the qualitative research findings of the effectiveness of Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service Programme Needs Assessment (PNA) in supporting decision making regarding selection onto high-intensity offending behaviour programmes.Design/methodology/approachQualitative data analysis was used through the application of thematic analysis. Results were pooled using principles from meta-synthesis in order to draw conclusions as to whether the PNA was operating as designed.FindingsFour overarching themes were identified, which have meaning in guiding decision making into, or out of high-intensity programmes. These were risk, need and responsivity, the importance of attitudes, motivation and formulation and planning.Research limitations/implicationsThe majority of data were collected from category C prisons. Generalisability of findings to high-intensity programmes delivered in maximum security prisons and prisons for younger people aged 18–21 years is limited. The research team had prior knowledge of the PNA, whether through design or application. Procedures were put in place to minimise researcher biases.Practical implicationsFindings suggest that the PNA is effective in guiding clinical decision making. Practitioners and policy makers can be assured that the processes in place to select into high-intensity programmes are effective, and aligned with the What Works in reducing re-offending.Originality/valueThis is the first evaluation into the effectiveness of the PNA designed to support clinical decision making regarding participant selection onto accredited offending behaviour programmes. Implications for practice have been discussed.

The use of an accredited violence reduction offending behaviour programme in a medium secure personality disorder service.

The use of an accredited violence reduction offending behaviour programme in a medium secure personality disorder service.

Can Completers, Non-Completers, and Non-Starters of Community-Based Offending Behavior Programs be Differentiated by Internal Treatment Readiness Factors?

This research aimed to determine whether completers, non-completers, and non-starters of community-based offending behavior programs could be differentiated by their levels of internal "treatment readiness." The Corrections Victoria Treatment Readiness Questionnaire (CVTRQ) measures offenders' Attitudes and Motivation, Emotional Reactions, Offending Beliefs, and Efficacy which, according to the Multifactor Offender Readiness Model (MORM), are internal dimensions of an offender's readiness to engage with treatment. Participants were offenders who had been court-mandated to attend a community-based cognitive skills offending behavior program. There were no significant differences between groups in respect of the CVTRQ total score. After controlling for risk of reconviction, however, the Self Efficacy construct differentiated program non-starters from program completers, while the Emotional Reactions construct differentiated program non-completers from program completers. In conclusion, the CVTRQ failed to differentiate program completion groups with the same success as elsewhere.

Co-producing digitally-enabled courses that promote desistance in prison and probation settings

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to set out an approach to innovation in criminal justice settings that gives service users a “voice” through the co-production of digital content designed for services that promote desistance. The authors describe the benefits and challenges of involving service users in co-creating mediated digital content within a co-production framework.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a new methodology for developing desistance-oriented programmes. The authors draw on a distinctive co-production exemplar within a prison setting that captures the perspectives of people who have shared their voices and the authors begin to explore the impact that co-production has had for them and for the service.FindingsThe testimonies of service users involved in this exemplar provide insights into the benefits and challenges of co-production in the criminal justice system more broadly.Practical implicationsCo-production is a credible service design strategy for developing digital services in prisons and probation; Complementary Digital Media (CDM) provides a promising pedagogical approach to promoting desistance; CDM enables service users to share their voice and stories to assist their peers. Digitally enabled courses to promote desistance can be well suited to peer support delivery models.Originality/valueCDM is a novel approach that uses co-production to create highly tailored content to promote desistance in discrete target groups. CDM can be used to digitalise processes within traditional offending behaviour programmes (OBPs). It can also enable the development of innovative toolkit approaches for flexible use within day-to-day therapeutic conversations between service users and criminal justice staff or peer supporters. CDM thereby offers practitioners in criminal justice settings an entirely new set of evidence-informed resources to engage service users.

Using Theory to Understand the Barriers to Engagement in Group Offending Behavior Programs.

Noncompletion of group offending behavior programs is a common problem, indicating barriers to engagement. While existing theoretical models have accounted for determinants of motivation, little focus has been directed towards barriers to engagement. The authors developed the program engagement theory (PET) which not only accounts for the determinants of engagement and the engagement process, it also considers the barriers to engagement. Interviews and session observations were used to collect data from 23 program facilitators and 28 offenders, which were analyzed using grounded theory. The barriers to engagement were classified as program and referral factors (uninformative referrals, offense-focused programs, rigid and abstract content, didactic delivery, and homework), facilitator characteristics (lack of control: contentious and nonassertive), and group member characteristics (unmotivated, pre-contemplative, and blaming others and young, chaotic, and disruptive). Suggestions as to the design and facilitation of group offending behavior programs, and facilitator training and supervision to overcome barriers to engagement are proposed.

Reducing Violence Risk? Some Positive Recidivism Outcomes for Canadian Treated High-Risk Offenders

In pursuit of “what works” in violent offending behavior programs, there remain insufficient evaluations of program outcomes. Three hundred forty-five offenders from the Canadian Violence Prevention Program (VPP) were compared after an average 3-year follow-up with 338 non-VPP participants. Outcomes measured were new convictions for violent, sexual, or general offenses. Intent-to-treat design was used. Subsequently, participants who completed or did not complete the program were compared with the non-VPP group. Further analyses considered Indigenous and non-Indigenous subgroups. Overall, lower recidivism rates were associated with VPP completion, both in the complete sample and ethnic subgroups. However, the main finding of significantly lower likelihood of violent recidivism was found only for the Indigenous offenders, while significantly lower likelihood of general (nonviolent) recidivism was specific to non-Indigenous offenders. Results are interpreted cautiously in relation to program effectiveness given the quasi-experimental design and the important implications of outcome studies for correctional services.

Risk factors for female perpetrators of intimate partner violence within criminal justice settings: A systematic review

Abstract There is a lack of understanding of the risk factors for female-perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV) relative to men's IPV behaviours. Males can access offence-specific interventions in prison and on probation. However, depending on national criminal justice policies, female IPV perpetrators access general offending behaviour programmes only or offence-specific programmes that have been designed with male perpetrators in mind. The extent to which men's and women's treatment needs are similar or different is unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise what is known about the risk factors for IPV perpetration by women located within criminal justice settings to inform appropriate interventions for this group of offenders. Thirty-one studies met inclusion criteria and no factors meeting our definition of risk factor were identified. However, there were associations between IPV perpetration and experience of child abuse, substance use, borderline personality traits, attachment issues and experiencing trauma. It remains unclear what factors need to be targeted in interventions for female IPV perpetrators, although associations have pointed to possible predisposing factors. In order to improve the evidence base for IPV interventions, researchers need to clearly define the term ‘risk factor’, extending beyond reporting on prevalence only, and to increase understanding of the pathways to IPV perpetration among women.

A Qualitative Exploration of the Experiences of Veterans Who Are Serving Sentences in Custody.

The focus on veterans in research is not a novel topic; however, the majority of studies are related to trauma, employment, mental health, suicide, and substance misuse. The criminal justice system involvement with veterans is a topic that has yet to be examined to a great extent. This study, conducted with adult male prisoners, elicited information from six veterans regarding their experiences of being in the armed forces, leaving the armed forces, and becoming involved in the criminal justice system. Responses were evaluated using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and three main themes were identified: "you're baptized into the army," "them and us," and "operational mind-set"; each of which comprised a number of superordinate themes. The research highlights that although it is important to acknowledge the heterogenic nature of this group, it is equally important to note that much of their thinking and behavior may be similar to those that have not had these experiences. As such, there is a need to reduce the notion that they are separate and different to other prisoners, requiring different treatment. The study highlights that many of the offending behavior programs and interventions already available to prisoners would be appropriate for this group. The current research supports the merit in creating a service in prisons that will allow ex-servicemen to meet together and access the support that is available to them. The implications of the research are discussed further.

Personality disorder, treatment readiness and dropout from treatment in three community-based cognitive skills and violence reduction programmes

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between personality disorder (PD) treatment readiness and dropout from three community-based offending behaviour group programmes.Design/methodology/approachAt the pre-programme stage, measures of PD and treatment readiness were administered to 186 offenders participating in either a cognitive skills programme, a general violence programme or a programme for domestically abusive men. Demographic and risk data were also obtained from the offender assessment system. At a one-year follow-up, comparisons were made between the risk, personality and treatment readiness profiles of programme completers and non-completers.FindingsIt was hypothesised that PD would be associated with low levels of treatment readiness at the pre-group stage and that both low levels of treatment readiness and PD would predict subsequent programme non-completion. Only antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) was associated with low overall treatment readiness, although antisocial, paranoid, schizoid, negativistic and borderline traits were associated with the facet of low self-efficacy. Non-completion was not predicted by younger age or recidivism risk scores and was most strongly predicted by the presence of a cluster A PD, as well as ASPD, low pre-group motivation and mixed race and white ethnicity.Research limitations/implicationsParanoid and antisocial personality pathology present important obstacles to effective offending behaviour group work in the community. This illustrates that further consideration needs to be given to these important responsivity factors in future delivery and evaluation of these programmes.Originality/valueThe study provides a detailed analysis of factors associated with non-completion of three community-based offending behaviour programmes in the UK.

The therapeutic alliance in offending behavior change programs: therapist perspectives and practises

PurposeOffending behavior change programs play an important role in the prevention of criminal behavior, particularly when offered to violent offenders. There is, however, little consensus about how content should be delivered, despite agreement that the development of a strong therapeutic alliance (TA) is an important determinant of outcome. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the TA is formed within correctional programs.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 27 therapists who delivered correctional group treatment explored issues relating to the role of the alliance in offending behavior programs. A grounded theory methodology was employed to develop a conceptual understanding of therapist perspectives and practises.FindingsThree different modes of practice were identified: “educative” to enforce boundaries of group behavior; “engagement” to promote a collaborative approach; and “therapeutic” to enhance client insight.Practical implicationsGreater awareness of the skills and supports required to successfully develop strong TAs in correctional populations may assist better retention and treatment outcomes in offending behavior programs. The ability to work flexibly between different modes of practise may prove important to rehabilitation efforts.Originality/valueA model of the TA based on therapists’ accounts of their practise in correctional programs is presented. It is anticipated that, particularly for novice correctional therapists, exploration of the ways in which the alliance can be established and ruptures responded to will enhance treatment efficacy, particularly in treating violent offenders who can be challenging to engage.

The Development of a Program Engagement Theory for Group Offending Behavior Programs.

Offender engagement in group offending behavior programs is poorly understood and under-theorized. In addition, there is no research on facilitators' engagement. This article presents the first ever theory to address this gap. A Program Engagement Theory (PET) was derived from a constructivist grounded theory analysis that accounts for both facilitators' and offenders' engagement in group offending behavior programs (GOBPs). Interviews and session observations were used to collect data from 23 program facilitators and 28 offenders (group members). The analysis revealed that group members' engagement involved shared identities and moving on as a group. In turn, this was dependent on facilitators personalising treatment frameworks and establishing a hook to help group members move on. The PET emphasizes the importance of considering change during treatment as a process rather than simply a program outcome. Solution-focused (SF) programs were more conducive to engagement and the change process than offence-focused programs.

The CARE programme: an accredited offending behaviour programme specifically for female offenders at risk of violence

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline the development, structure and implementation of the Choices, Actions, Relationships and Emotions (CARE) programme. Design/methodology/approach – This paper will present some of the background to the programme, its aims, structure and delivery methods and the nature of the treatment population to date. It will also reflect on some of the lessons learnt through the development and implementation of the programme and the challenges faced in evaluating its impact. Plans for its future evaluation and development are discussed. Findings – Female offenders represent a distinct group with particular treatment and responsivity needs. These have traditionally been accommodated in programmes developed for male offenders, adapted slightly to meet their needs. CARE represents a distinct approach, designed specifically for the needs of female offenders with a history of violence and complex presentations. Originality/value – CARE is a relatively new programme and this ...

Differences between completers and non-completers of offending behaviour programmes: Impulsivity, social problem-solving, and criminal thinking

Purpose This study examined whether there were significant differences between completers and non-completers of an offending behaviour programme on pre-programme measures of impulsivity, social problem-solving, and criminal thinking. Methods Participants were 299 male offenders serving a community order with the requirement to attend an offending behaviour programme in England and Wales. Results The results showed that non-completers had significantly higher levels of non-planning impulsivity than completers. Furthermore, non-completers were at a higher risk of reconviction. No significant differences were found between completers and non-completers for social problem-solving and criminal thinking, as well as no significant differences between the two groups for age. Conclusions The findings highlight the importance of retaining high risk and impulsive offenders in treatment programmes.

Substance Related Offending Behaviour Programme (SROBP): an exploration of gender responsivity and treatment acceptance issues for female prisoners

Substance-related offending poses a considerable problem for society. In response, criminal justice agencies have widely delivered cognitive-behavioural interventions, such as the Substance-Related Offending Behaviour Programme (SROBP), to both male and female offenders often based on assumed gender neutrality. Developing a systematic and ideographically relevant understanding of the treatment efficacy and acceptability issues may help ensure the responsivity of such interventions to the needs of female offenders. Semi-structured interviews were administered to 15 female prisoners who had participated in SROBP and transcripts were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) important aspects of recovery, (2) supportive therapeutic processes, and (3) disruptions to therapeutic processes. The benefits of being able to disclose traumatic and adverse life events as well as improvements to motivation were particularly noted. Group functioning and emotional safety concerns were also reported as impacting on these benefits.

The journey of developing and applying a one-to-one structured supervision programme aimed at addressing offending behaviour

With the new era of probation and community rehabilitation it is important that existing practitioner skills, methods and initiatives are maintained and developed. This article is based on the findings of a pilot and the subsequent introduction of a one-to-one structured supervision offending behaviour programme I created and developed. This was a practitioner-led initiative aimed at enhancing the effective use of the supervision session in addressing offending behaviour, and highlights the importance of these approaches.

The Secretary of State for Justice has a duty to provide Offending Behaviour Programmes in prison – submissions to the contrary are lacking in realism!

<strong><strong><em></em></strong></strong><p align="LEFT">R (on the application of Walker) v Secretary of State for Justice; R (on the application of James) v Secretary of State for Justice</p><p>[2008] EWCA Civ 30</p><strong><em></em></strong><em></em>