Recidivism Research Articles

Innate Health: A Novel Examination of What Explains Well-Being, Prosocial Behavior, and Aggression Among Men Living in a U.K. Prison

Evidence shows that well-being for mental health in prison is an important component of prison rehabilitation efforts—including notably lowering recidivism rates after release. While support for well-being initiatives in U.K. prisons has grown, few prison programs offer a health-promoting focus or invest in well-being interventions. Therefore, this study seeks to replicate and extend emerging data on an innate health intervention. Volunteers from HMP Nottingham ( N=127) participated in normal prison programming. The intervention group ( n=66) received an additional 3-day intensive. This study found higher levels of innate health, self-control, well-being, and prosocial behavior and lower levels of aggression within the intervention group and as compared with the control group. Next, we conducted a mediation analysis to test if innate health, self-control, and/or social desirability bias could explain these positive changes. Importantly, innate health did play a mediating role equivalent to and/or partnering with self-control, whereas social desirability bias did not.

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT FOR ADDRESSING THE INTERSECTION OF EDUCATION, LABOR MARKET MISMATCH, AND CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR: ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES AND IMPLICATIONS

Several expected results from government expenditure, education, and labour market regulations are revealed when one examines the complex interaction between education, labour market mismatch, and criminal behaviour. Government spending on education is projected to increase graduation rates and student performance, among other observable advantages. The likelihood of a mismatch between job capabilities and market demand may be decreased as a result of a more trained workforce. Investments in employment agencies and job placement services may also help job seekers find positions that fit their qualifications, enhancing job satisfaction and lowering instances of labour market mismatch. Additionally, government initiatives to lessen income disparity through progressive taxation and social safety nets may improve economic stability, so averting the economic unrest that is frequently associated with criminal activity. Initiatives for preventing crime, such as counselling, assistance with finding a job, and skill-building programmes, may provide those who may otherwise turn to crime out of job dissatisfaction an alternative route to success and a decrease in criminal activity. Investments in mental health services and addiction treatment programmes are anticipated to enhance mental health and decrease substance misuse, two factors linked to criminal behaviour. By providing prisoners with the knowledge and skills they need for successful work after release, education programmes within correctional facilities are expected to lessen recidivism rates. Last but not least, government-funded research initiatives may give light on the viability of various strategies, providing a foundation for evidence-based policies that concentrate on tackling the complex problems at the confluence of education, labour markets, and criminal behaviour. Although these anticipated results present a bright image, it is important to recognize that outcomes may differ depending on implementation strategies, local socioeconomic situations, and community demographics. To effectively handle the numerous difficulties within this sector, ongoing assessment and policy improvement are essential.

Working Alliance, Risk, and Recidivism: A Community-Based Corrections Analysis

The relationship between the working alliance and rates of recidivism for individuals on probation or parole has been underexplored, and what information has been reported provides inconsistent findings. This study sought out to explore this relationship further by examining the degree to which client perceptions ( N = 145) of the working alliance were related to, and predicted, general and violent recidivism measured as reconviction. Results revealed that working alliance ratings were not significantly different between clients who recidivated and those who did not and did not predict future recidivism. Results also revealed that client age and risk predicted subsequent recidivism, while client perceptions of the working alliance did not. Implications for supervising officers in community corrections and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) on Self-Control and Impulsivity in Male Prisoners.

Objective: Consequences of imprisonment include negative psychological effects, social stigma, and challenges for reintegrating into society. In this regard, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) on self-control and impulsivity among male prisoners. Method : A randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) utilizing a design the included pretest, post-test, and follow-up assessment as well as a waiting-list control group was conducted. A total of 30 male prisoners were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and waiting list control groups (the intervention group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 15)). The participants in the experimental group underwent the 12-session REBT intervention over a period of six weeks. (For six weeks). All participants responded to the Self- Control Scale (SCS) and Dysfunctional Impulsivity Questionnaire (DFIQ) as dependent variables at three time points (pretest, post-test, and one-month follow-up). A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. Results: The results revealed that after the implementation of the REBT intervention, the mean scores of self-control increased (P < 0.05), while the mean scores of impulsivity diminished significantly (P < 0.05). Furthermore, these changes remained relatively stable during the follow-up period (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be inferred that REBT intervention plays a significant role in diminishing self-control deficits and mitigating impulsivity among incarcerated individuals. These results present promising implications for the utilization of REBT in lowering recidivism rates.

Prevalence of Dangerousness to the Public, Criminogenic Risk Factors and Psychopathic Traits in Child-to-Parent Offenders and Contrast with Non-Child-to-Parent Offenders.

Child-to-parent offenders (CPOs) are commonly specialist offenders and with high rates of recidivism. Thus, a field study was designed to estimate the prevalence of recidivism in the reference measures of recidivism i.e., dangerousness, risk factors and psychopathy, and compare CPOs with non-child-to-parent juvenile offenders (non-CPOs). A total of 136 juvenile offenders (76.5% boys), 76 CPOs and 60 non-CPOs, aged from 14 to 18 years old, were measured in terms of dangerousness, risk factors and psychopathic traits. For CPOs, the results show a more than common prevalence (>0.50), 75.0%, 95% CI [0.653, 0.847]) of dangerousness (caseness); a significant prevalence (>0.05) of diagnostic psychopathy (25.0%, 95% CI [0.150, 0.350]); and a common prevalence (=0.50), 55.3%, 95% CI [0.441, 0.665]) of classifications of high- and very high-risk factors. Comparatively, no significant differences were observed between CPOs and non-CPOs in terms of mental health problems (dangerousness); meanwhile CPOs exhibited significantly more interpersonal and affective psychopathic traits and significantly higher risks in family circumstances/parenting, and personality and behavior risk factors. The implications for prevention and intervention programs with CPOs are discussed.

The feasibility of emergency department observation units in the management of mild to moderate hyponatremia

ObjectiveTo describe the feasibility of managing hyponatremia patients under outpatient observation status in an academic medical center, and compare outcomes based on the use of an emergency department observation unit (EDOU). MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of emergency department hyponatremic patients managed in four hospitals within a large urban academic medical center over 27 months. All patients had an admit-to-observation order, ICD-10 codes for hyponatremia, and mild (130–135 mmol/L) to moderate (121–129 mmol/L) hyponatremia. Observation settings were divided into two groups: EDOU and Non-Observation Unit (NOU) inpatient beds. Severe hyponatremia (≤120 mmol/L) was excluded. Primary clinical outcomes were inpatient admit rate, length of stay (LOS), total direct cost, the rate of adverse events and 30-day recidivism. Results188 patients were managed as an observation patient, with 64 managed in an EDOU setting (age 74.0 yr, 70.3% female) and 124 managed in a NOU setting (age 71.5 yr, 64.5% female). Patient subgroups were similar in terms of presenting complaints, comorbidities, and medication histories. Initial and final sodium levels were similar between settings: EDOU (125.1 to 132.6 mmol/L) vs NOU (123.5 to 132.0 mmol/L). However, outcomes differed by setting for observation to inpatient admit rate (EDOU 28.1% vs NOU 37.9%, adjusted effect 0.70), overall length of stay (EDOU 19.2 h vs NOU 31.9 h; adjusted effect −10.5 h and total direct cost ($1230 vs $1531; adjusted effect -$167). EDOU sodium correction rates were faster (EDOU 0.44 mmol/L/h vs 0.24 mmol/L/h; adjusted effect 0.15 mmol/L/h) and 30-day recidivism rate was similar (EDOU 13% vs NOU 15%). There were no index visit deaths or intensive care unit admissions. ConclusionManagement of selected hyponatremia patients under observation status is feasible, with the EDOU setting demonstrating lower admit rates, shorter length of stay, and lower total direct costs with similar clinical outcomes.

Exploring the infeasibility of enforcing mandatory in-prison rehabilitation in Jamaica

ABSTRACT Only about 21% of adult inmates in Jamaica participate in formal rehabilitation programmes. 1 As such, the government has taken steps to make in-prison rehabilitation mandatory. By drawing on interviews with 73 formerly incarcerated persons, this article explores the viability and practicability of mandatory in-prison rehabilitation. The evidence suggests that if made mandatory, in-prison rehabilitation may not support the effective reintegration of inmates who value agency. Coercion could also amplify change-resistant behaviours, and limited administrative capacity might also challenge the effective enforcement of the mandate. Towards achieving the effective reintegration of newly released persons and lowering the recidivism rate, the article proposes some correctional reforms which the Jamaican state can pursue in the absence of adequate capacity to implement mandatory in-prison rehabilitation. Such reforms include the need to bolster and enhance good governance systems.

“There is More to It than Recidivism” – Outcome Scores among Released Prisoners who participated in Prison-Based “Employment World” Programmes

AbstractIn the quest for effective prisoner rehabilitation, while there is existing literature that predominantly emphasizes recidivism rates, it is important to recognize that this singular focus may sometimes overshadow the broader dimensions crucial for successful societal reintegration. This study, therefore, investigates the multifaceted outcomes of an employment training programme offered by the Israel Prison Service. Employing propensity score matching, we compared outcomes between programme participants and non-participants. Our analysis encompassed recidivism rates, employment stability, income levels, tax-paying behaviour and welfare service engagement. While recidivism rates remained largely unaffected, our findings unveiled promising results in other domains. Programme participants exhibited enhanced employment stability, realized higher incomes, demonstrated increased engagement in tax-paying and accessed welfare services more frequently. This study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to assessing rehabilitation effectiveness, extending beyond the singular metric of recidivism. While acknowledging certain limitations, our research highlights that employment training programmes may not have a direct impact on recidivism but can significantly contribute to labour market reintegration and promote more productive and socially responsible behaviours. It advocates further exploring diverse outcome measures to develop holistic rehabilitation strategies.

Evaluating the Israeli Community Courts: Key Issues, Challenges and Lessons

AbstractThe last decade has seen the establishment of eight community courts (CCs) in Israel, representing a significant shift from the mainstream criminal justice approach. Inspired by the Red Hook Community Justice Center in Brooklyn, New York, the Israeli CCs reflect an understanding of the links between local communities, crime and rehabilitation. The authors have evaluated the CCs since their inauguration, first in a formative study and then in an evaluation study. The present article focuses on three research modules that were utilized in these studies: the process characterization, which was based on structured observations of court hearings during the formative study; the subjective experiences of court participants, which were collected via in-depth interviews with programme participants; and the recidivism module, which compared the repeat offending patterns of programme participants with those of mainstream court defendants. Rather than detailing the findings of these modules, the paper uses them as examples, offering an open discussion about the process of conducting such studies: the selection of research questions that go beyond the traditional question of repeat offending and their possible theoretical contribution; the methodological, logistical and ethical choices that are made and their underlying considerations; and the obstacles that researchers face en route.

Simultaneous determination of ethyl glucuronide, cocaine, cocaethylene, and benzoylecgonine in hair by using LC–MS/MS

Alcohol and cocaine (COC) are commonly co-used drugs that cause addiction and have harmful effects. Their abuse may threaten the health of the abuser and public safety by causing serious accidents or crimes. The recidivism rate of drug-related crimes closely correlates with alcoholism. Several incidences of alcohol consumption in combination with drug abuse have been reported. Here, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric method was developed to simultaneously analyze ethyl glucuronide (EtG), a metabolite of ethanol; COC; cocaethylene (CE), an alcohol-derived metabolite of COC; and benzoylecgonine (BZE), a major metabolite of COC, to determine the concurrent use of alcohol with COC. For pre-treatment, ultracentrifugation (5 min, 50,000 g) and mixed-mode anion exchange solid-phase extraction were used to increase the recovery of target compounds and minimize the matrix effect of hair. The lower limits of quantification were: 7 pg/mg (EtG), 2 pg/mg (COC), 10 pg/mg (CE), and 1 pg/mg (BZE). The correlation coefficient (r) of the calibration curve within the quantified range of target compounds was ≥ 0.9978. The intra- and inter-day accuracies were − 6.1–9.7% and − 9.3–8.3%, and intra- and inter-day precisions were 0.5–10.3% and 0.6–14.4%, respectively. The recovery, matrix effect, process efficiency, and autosampler stability were 89.2–104.8%, 81.6–105.4%, 81.5–107.1%, and 96.6–109.7%, respectively. The novel analytical method was validated with hair samples from individuals suspected of alcohol and COC use, and the method could distinguish between independent and concurrent use. Based on the findings, the analytical approach developed in this study is anticipated to be valuable in drug and alcohol dependence tests that require the simultaneous detection of alcohol and COC abuse.

Suivi longitudinal des patients psychiatriques médico-légaux : focus sur les taux de récidive et les scores de risque

Research concerning the follow-up of forensic patients after their release from a high-security facility into the community is scarce. However, results available indicate that revocation rates are rather high. Our research aimed to answer three aspects based on an analysis of court records of 168 patients discharged from a Belgian secure forensic psychiatric hospital between 2014 and 2018: (1) the revocation and recidivism rates during a 3-year follow-up period; (2) the prevalence and motives for revocations of probationary released; (3) the comparison of scores of the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide-Revised (VRAG-R) between three release measures. To our knowledge, our study is the first to compare violent recidivism risk scores between release types. The mean VRAG-R scores were higher among revoked than conditioned released patients. The latter presented higher mean score than definitively released patients. The overall results are congruent with the “good practice” of the risk principle, hence supporting the importance of basing release decisions on risk assessment principles such as the VRAG-R in a longitudinal perspective.

“Context Is to Data What Water Is to a Dolphin”*: Social-Historical Conditions, Criminal Histories, and Recidivism Across Five Prisoner Cohorts

Understanding offending patterns over the life-course has been a key feature of criminological thought and scholarship since the discipline’s inception. Recent research has brought forth new thinking into how social-historical conditions may influence correlates of crime as well as offending patterns across different eras. Missing from this line of research has been the extent to which rates of recidivism are also affected by social-historical conditions. This paper examines the characteristics and recidivism patterns of five national-level prisoner release cohorts between 1983 and 2012. Results show that criminal histories and recidivism prevalence is very similar across these cohorts spanning over a quarter of a century.

Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Initiatives in Reducing Recidivism in Tanzania: Evidence from Isanga and Ukonga Central Prisons

Although there have been different rehabilitation activities introduced by Tanzania Prison Services (TPS) since independence to reduce recidivism, the rate of recidivism has remained relatively high with the prevalence of reoffending and stigma on the part of ex-prisoners. Failure to effectively implement rehabilitation activities is said to be among the causes of an increase in recidivism by the ex-prisoners. With support from cognitive behavioural therapy, human capital theory, and labelling theory, this study aimed to explore the effects of rehabilitation activities on reducing recidivism in Tanzania by combining quantitative and qualitative analyses. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, discussions, and observations. Quantitative data were analysed through descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression, while qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. Findings revealed that informal rehabilitation activities were not able to reduce the reoffending behaviour of recidivists. The effective rehabilitation activities were those focused on life skills, psychosocial aspects, and educational programs. Problems such as curriculum design, financial constraints, infrastructure limitations, attendance problems, and varying literacy levels among prisoners pose obstacles to the effective rehabilitation of prisoners. Therefore, rehabilitation initiatives should focus on generating practical skills that contribute to the successful reintegration of prisoners into society. In addition, life skills, spiritual, psychological, and educational programs must be supported by authentic curricula and well-defined delivery modes. Prison management should also be sensitized to the importance of disciplinary science, aftercare services, and startup capital for enhancing reintegration, proper rehabilitation, and reducing recidivism among prisoners.

Paramilitary Conflict in Colombia: A Case Study of Economic Causes of Conflict Recidivism

Following the peace accord on 26 September 2016 between the Colombian government and the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC), significant structural issues persisted in Colombia, such as state fragility, land distribution challenges, and rural impoverishment, all of which jeopardized sustainable peace. Previous disarmament events indicated potential shifts in violence and recidivism rates among ex-combatants. This paper aims to determine the likelihood that, in the post-conflict era with FARC, these ex-combatants would rearm themselves into new criminal factions. Employing a methodology by Paul Collier, the study utilized logit, probit, and panel data models with both fixed and random effects to evaluate the recidivism risk at the municipal level. A 1% increase in per capita municipal income decreased conflict probability due to the increased opportunity cost of disrupting economic endeavors. Conversely, 1% increases in potential conflict benefits from tax revenue and natural resource proceeds raised the probability of conflict by 40% and 17%, respectively. Key results indicate that economic advancement, as measured by per capita income, reduced the duration of paramilitary presence, whereas revenue from taxes and natural resources extended it at the municipal level in Colombia.

Towards a Retributive Concept of Re-entry

Abstract Retributive justice is the preferred penal theory in many countries, especially for serious offences, and is a predominant justification for imprisonment. Retributivists, however, have little to say regarding the state’s role towards returning citizens after release from prison. In reality, paroled individuals struggle with continuing surveillance, poverty, stigma and other significant barriers to housing, employment and health. Thus, rates of recidivism are high. Re-entry services can help, but they are few. Without a proper understanding of the implications of the retributive model, advocates for re-entry services struggle to gain public support or the attention of policy-makers. Recognising that retributivism is not a monolithic theory, and with a focus on the parole period, we argue that key sub-streams of retributivism offer a valuable support for understanding public responsibility for re-entry services. To that end, we offer a conceptual understanding of the core retributive principles that call upon governments to actively assist parolees. We do so by connecting re-entry to the retributive notions of unfair advantage, penal communication and moral reform. Finally, we emphasise two, often neglected, re-entry programmes that fit the core retributive principles and highlight implications for the parole process.

System of Restorative Justice and Juvenile Justice in India: a Brief Comparative Study with Latin American System

Justice everywhere is threatened by injustice anywhere. After the Nirbhaya case verdict in Delhi, the State was accused of being lenient with one of the juvenile offenders; this may have been the cause of the public outcry. Consequently, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, (JJ Act) was passed by India in 2015. Children who commit horrible crimes cannot be dealt with lightly. However, as has been the case in the West, placing them in adult prisons would turn them into hardened criminals and repeat offenders. “Old enough to do the crime, young enough to do the time,” says the adage. Those who commit crimes must serve their sentences. The child activists contend that the Act is founded on the concepts of retribution and vengeance and has overturned all previous good laws. Children need food, not impediments to their growth. They require our society’s compassion rather than the harshness of the law. Restorative justice is a welcome idea. What is required is a shift in perspective, a readiness to prioritize victims in criminal proceedings, and an understanding that mending relationships and undoing harm are crucial components of the criminal justice system. Therefore, rather than simply passing judgment, it is our responsibility to uplift the weak, mend the broken, and comfort the grieving. The article focuses on youth crime kinds and causes, factors that lead to crime and restorative justice. This article also focuses on comparative analysis of Indian restorative justice system with Latin American restorative justice system in juvenile cases.

Six-month post-release outcomes for inmates with traumatic brain injury in supported community programming

ABSTRACT Objective: The goal of this study is to examine the effectiveness of case management services for a population of justice-involved individuals with TBI history. Methods: Two thousand three hundred and eighty-nine records from statewide behavioral health and brain injury program databases were used in two studies. Results: Participants with a reported TBI history were more likely to have experienced trauma and to have a behavioral health diagnosis relative to incarcerated persons without TBI. Six months after release, 56.8% of participants with a history of TBI were still receiving community treatment, 27.8% were not in treatment, and 3.4% had completed treatment. There was a high attrition rate; 70% of people referred for case management failed to maintain contact. Conclusions: For those that did receive services, these data suggest that it prevented an escalation of psychosocial needs. There were no differences in community participation as measured by the Mayo Portland Adaptability Index’s Participation Index (M2PI) scores (t24 = .497, p = 0.624) at intake and after 6 months of case management. This study confirms that case management confers a benefit to persons with TBI who are released from the criminal justice system. Further, recidivism rates for this vulnerable group were no different from the larger population of returning citizens.

Investigation of Substance Use, Substance-Related Factors and Delinquency in a Nation-Wide Referred Children Sample

ABSTRACT Objective Examine the relationship between sociodemographic and forensic characteristics and alcohol and smoking rates, substance use and delinquency profiles in children. Methods One hundred and five children dragged into crime were evaluated via unstructured interviews and data form. Results Substance use was found significantly higher in children which have family history of substance use. Suicidal attempts were significantly higher in children with history of substance use. Recidivism rates was found significantly higher in children with alcohol or substance use. Conclusion Children dragged into crime are more vulnerable to use substances and more prone to their negative impacts.

Lancement d’une recherche – action visant l’implémentation de la HCR20 à la maison d’arrêt d’Amiens

In France, an average of 40% of convicted prisoners are repeat offenders. To prevent disruptions in care that may lead to new offenses, the regional medico-psychological department (SMPR) of the Amiens prison first introduced short-term post-incarceration support (6 months) in 2021. The multidisciplinary team now intends to facilitate the transition to a desistance process for incarcerated men who are undergoing treatment in prison and to, provide support when they are released. The strategy consists of three main components: training, organization, and expanding the range of care. The team has already started training for three tools: HCR20 V3, SAPROF, and CAPP-IRS. The first pertains to the assessment and management of the risk of interpersonal violent relapse, the second focuses on identifying protective factors related to violence, and the third addresses psychopathy, a significant risk factor for violence. In terms of organization, care at the SMPR has been restructured to incorporate the assessment of the level of risk of relapse during detention and its reassessment during post-carceral follow-up. The aim now is to strategically address any identified dynamic risk factors, taking protective factors into account. The expansion of the care provided, begun in 2022, led to the opening of a therapeutic and integration cohabitation unit (TICU) in October 2023, serving as a “gateway” facility accommodating 5 men who have been released from custody supported by the SMPR in post-carceral care, also for a duration of 6 months. The primary objective of this observational, prospective, and single-center study is to measure the effectiveness of intra-carceral and post-carceral support – restructured around risk assessment and management tools – for individuals exiting the Amiens prison after achieving desistance at the end of the follow-up and for a period of 5 years. This effectiveness could be reflected in a reduction in psychopathic traits and in the level of risk of recidivism for those supported in post-carceral care, from the time of incarceration to the end of care. These mental health care professionals also wish to document the implementation of the three tools in their service and assess their predictive validity within their sample. The study also serves to evaluate the effectiveness of the experimental TICU program. The early identification of risk factors should improve the specificity and prioritization of risk prevention actions as part of routine care. Demonstrating the effectiveness of this extended treatment program, tailored to the needs of the outgoing incarcerated population, could lead to the replication of this specialized psychiatric approach in other penal facilities. The project is part of a common effort to break down barriers between the various sectors involved in the care of individuals who are released from prison. Collaborative multidisciplinary teamwork, both within the department and with mainstream psychiatric care facilities, lies at the core of the results of this research. Could it be possible to revitalize the individual and collective commitment of those working with patients who may present a risk of violence?

Examining Risk Factor and Recidivism Rate Differences Between Youth Adjudicated for Sex and Non-Sex Offenses: A Propensity Score Matching Approach

ABSTRACT Youth adjudicated for sex offenses are frequently overridden to high-risk on general recidivism risk assessments. Little research supports this use of overrides. This study seeks to examine the extent to which those adjudicated for sex and non-sex offenses differ on recidivism rates in a sample of 1,380 sex and non-sex offending youth from a Midwestern state juvenile court. Propensity score matching was used to examine general recidivism rate differences between those adjudicated for sex and non-sex offenses. After matching youth on race, age, and eight criminogenic risk factors, youth adjudicated for sexual offenses recidivated at a significantly lower rate.