Risk Factors For Reoffending Research Articles

MÜKERRER SUÇ İŞLEYEN HÜKÜMLÜLERİN MADDE KULLANIM ÖZELLİKLERİ VE DÜRTÜSELLİK DÜZEYLERİNİN İNCELENMESİ

Prevention of recidivism is the most important goal of today's criminal justice system. The aim of this study, which was designed in a cross-sectional design, was to examine the impulsivity levels and addiction characteristics of convicts with recidivism behavior and to reveal the factors that may be related. The sample of the study consisted of 230 male convicts in four different penal execution institutions; 100 of whom having a one-time offense history, and 130 with a history of recidivism. Personal information form, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) and Addiction Profile Index (API) were used as data collection tools. The findings of the study showed that lifetime substance use and risky substance use rates of recidivists were statistically significant compared to those without recidivism; impulsivity scores of recidivists were significantly higher than those of first-time offenders; and impulsive behavior increased as the severity of addiction increased in recidivists. As a result of the research, it was revealed that substance use and impulsivity may be a risk factor for re-offending. In this sense, it is thought that it is very important to carry out intervention programs effectively in both penal institutions and probation directorates within the criminal justice system in order to prevent recidivism and support rehabilitation.

Towards more accurate classification of risk of arrest among offenders on community supervision: An application of machine learning versus logistic regression

Although there is general consensus about the behavioural, clinical and sociodemographic variables that are risk factors for reoffending, optimal statistical modelling of these variables is less clear. Machine learning techniques offer an approach that may provide greater accuracy than traditional methods. To compare the performance of advanced machine learning techniques (classification trees and random forests) to logistic regression in classifying correlates of rearrest among adult probationers and parolees in the United States. Data were from the subgroup of people on probation or parole who had taken part in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health for the years 2015-2019. We compared the performance of logistic regression, classification trees and random forests, using receiver operating characteristic curves, to examine the correlates of arrest within the past 12months. We found that machine learning techniques, specifically random forests, possessed significantly greater accuracy than logistic regression in classifying correlates of arrest. Our findings suggest the potential for enhanced risk classification. The next step would be to develop applications for criminal justice and clinical practice to inform better support and management strategies for former offenders in the community.

Mental health service utilisation and reoffending in offenders with a diagnosis of psychosis receiving non-custodial sentences: A 14-year follow-up study.

While psychosis is considered a risk factor for offending, little is reported about mental health service utilisation in offenders with psychosis and its relationship with reoffending. We examined the association between contact with mental health services and reoffending in those diagnosed with psychosis. We linked health and offending records in New South Wales (Australia) and identified all individuals with a diagnosis of psychosis and a subsequent offence resulting in a non-custodial sentence between 2001 and 2012. We examined the incidence and risk factors for reoffending, and time to reoffending between 2001 and 2015 using Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival methods. We specifically examined the association between clinical contact with community mental health services following the index offence and reoffending. Of the 7393 offenders with psychosis, 70% had clinical contact and 49% reoffended. There was a linear relationship between an increased number of clinical contacts and reduced risk of reoffending: those with no clinical contact had more than a fivefold risk of reoffending compared to those with the highest number of contacts (adjusted hazard ratio = 5.78, 95% confidence interval = [5.04, 6.62]). Offenders with substance-related psychosis and those convicted of non-violent offences had fewer clinical contacts and higher rates of reoffending when compared with controls (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.29, 95% confidence interval = [1.13, 1.47] and adjusted hazard ratio = 1.26, 95% confidence interval = [1.18, 1.35], respectively). This study supports an association between more frequent mental health service use and reduced risk of reoffending. Efforts to enhance mental health service utilisation in those with psychosis who are at a higher risk of reoffending should be promoted.

Low autonomic arousal as a risk factor for reoffending: A population-based study.

BackgroundLow resting heart rate (RHR) and low systolic blood pressure (SBP) are associated with criminal behavior. However, knowledge is lacking about their predictive value for reoffending.AimWe aimed to examine associations of RHR and SBP with reoffending in a large population-based sample.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study of all convicted male conscripts born in Sweden 1958–1990 (N = 407,533). We obtained data by linking Swedish population-based registers. Predictor variables were RHR and SBP, measured at conscription which was mandatory until 2010 for men at age 18. The outcome variable was reoffending, defined as criminal convictions (any crime, violent crime and non-violent crime), obtained from the National Crime Register. We used survival analyses to test for associations of RHR and SBP with reoffending, adjusting for pertinent covariates such as socioeconomic status, height, weight and physical energy capacity.ResultsIn fully adjusted Cox regression models, men with lower RHR (≤60 bpm) had higher risk of reoffending (any crime: HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.19, violent crime: HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.29, non-violent crime: HR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.19), compared to men with higher RHR (≥ 82 bpm). Men with lower SBP (≤80 mmHg) had higher risk of reoffending (any crime: HR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.21, violent crime: HR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.20, non-violent crime: HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.22), compared to men with higher SBP (≥138 mmHg).ConclusionsLow autonomic arousal is associated with increased risk of reoffending. RHR and SBP should be investigated further as potential predictors for reoffending as they each may have predictive value in risk assessment protocols.

A Latent Class Analysis of Forensic Psychiatric Patients in Relation to Risk and Protective Factors.

Forensic psychiatric patients form a very heterogeneous population regarding psychopathology, criminal history, and risk factors for reoffending. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate whether there are more homogeneous classes of forensic patients based on DSM-IV-TR Axis I and II diagnoses and previously committed offenses, by means of explorative latent class analysis (LCA). It was also investigated which risk and protective factors are significantly more prevalent in one class compared to other classes. The study sample contained 722 male forensic psychiatric patients who were unconditionally released between 2004 and 2014 from high-security forensic clinics. Data were retrospectively derived from electronic patient files. Five distinctive patient classes emerged: class with only Axis II diagnosis, class with multiple problems, antisocial class, psychotic class, and intellectually disabled class. These classes differed significantly in risk and protective factors. This study contributes to the understanding of patient classes and provides directions for future, class-tailored interventions.

Association Between Early Contact With Mental Health Services After an Offense and Reoffending in Individuals Diagnosed With Psychosis

Psychosis is a known risk factor for offending behavior, but little is known about the association between clinical contact with mental health services after an offense and reoffending. To examine the association between early contact with mental health services and reoffending after an index offense in individuals with psychosis. In this cohort study, individuals diagnosed with psychosis before their index offense from July 1, 2001, to December 31, 2012, and who received a noncustodial sentence were identified by linking health and offending databases in New South Wales, Australia. The incidence of and risk factors for reoffending and time to reoffending within 2 years from the index offense were examined using Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates. Specifically, the association between contact with mental health services within 30 days after an offense and reoffending was examined. Data were analyzed from July 1, 2019, to March 5, 2020. Hospital admission, emergency department presentation, and contact with community mental health services associated with psychosis. Reoffending within 2 years of the index offense was compared in individuals with and without clinical contact with mental health services within 30 days after an offense, with adjustment for potential confounders. Of the 7030 offenders with psychosis (4933 male [70.2%]; median age at the index offense, 34 [interquartile range, 26-42] years), 2605 (37.1%) had clinical contact with mental health services within 30 days after the index offense. The risk of reoffending was significantly lower in those with vs without clinical contact (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76-0.91). The risk of reoffending was 30% less in male offenders with 5 or more clinical contacts compared with male offenders with no clinical contact (AHR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.59-0.84). Reoffending in both male and female offenders was associated with younger age (eg, AHR for male offenders aged <18 years, 3.31 [95% CI, 2.39-4.59]; AHR for female offenders aged <18 years, 2.60 [95% CI, 1.69-3.99]) and offending history (eg, AHR for male offenders with ≥4 prior offenses, 2.28 [95% CI, 1.98-2.64]; AHR for female offenders with ≥4 prior offenses, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.67-2.96]). In this cohort, early and frequent clinical contact with mental health services after an offense in individuals with psychosis was associated with reduced risk of reoffending in this group. More support may be needed for early treatment of those with serious mental illness who are at risk of reoffending.

Ecologies of juvenile reoffending: A systematic review of risk factors

PurposeResearch on juvenile reoffending has experienced an ecological turn, marked by an impressive expansion of studies that test the relation between elements of residential context and reoffending. Yet, to date, little consensus exists regarding what ecological factors matter, how they affect reoffending, and for whom they matter most. To address this gap, this study takes stock of research that tests the relationship between ecological factors and reoffending among youth. MethodsA systematic review, in accordance with PRISMA-P guidelines, of quantitative studies (k = 27) was conducted. Evidence was synthesized quantitatively (i.e., meta-analytically, tabularly) and qualitatively (i.e., narratively). ResultsA variety of ecological factors have been tested, but results are inconsistent and reflect relatively few contexts and samples. The most frequently tested factor, concentrated disadvantage (k = 15), is a predictor of re-arrest (pooled OR = 1.09, p = .01). Inconsistent findings regarding other factors seem to reflect sample and study characteristics. ConclusionsResearch to date does not indicate summarily rejecting or accepting ecological factors as risk factors for reoffending. To further clarify the ecology-reoffending relationship and inform recidivism reduction interventions, future research should sample from unexamined contexts and test theoretically meaningful relationships via approaches that strengthen causal inference.

Psychiatric disorders and violent reoffending: a national cohort study of convicted prisoners in Sweden

SummaryBackgroundReoffending and presence of psychiatric disorders are common in prisoners worldwide. However, whether psychiatric disorders are risk factors for reoffending is still unknown. We aimed to examine the association between psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorder, and violent reoffending.MethodsWe did a longitudinal cohort study of 47 326 prisoners who were imprisoned since Jan 1, 2000, and released before Dec 31, 2009, in Sweden. We obtained data for diagnosed psychiatric disorders from both inpatient and outpatient registers, and sociodemographic and criminological factors from other population-based registers. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) for violent reoffending with Cox regression. To control for potential familial confounding, we compared sibling prisoners with and without psychiatric disorders. We calculated population attributable fraction to assess the population effect.FindingsDiagnosed psychiatric disorders were associated with an increased hazard of violent reoffending in male (adjusted HR 1·63 [95% CI 1·57–1·70]) and female (2·02 [1·54–2·63]) prisoners, and these associations were independent of measured sociodemographic and criminological factors, and, in men, remained substantial after adjustment for unmeasured familial factors (2·01 [1·66–2·43]). However, findings differed between individual diagnoses and sex. We found some evidence of stronger effects on violent reoffending of alcohol and drug use disorders and bipolar disorder than of other psychiatric disorders. Alcohol use disorder seemed to have a greater effect in women than in men (women 2·08 [1·66–2·60]; men 1·63 [1·56–1·71]). The overall effects of psychiatric disorders did not differ with severity of crime. The hazard of violent reoffending increased in a stepwise way with the number of diagnosed psychiatric disorders. Assuming causality, up to 20% (95% CI 19–22) of violent reoffending in men and 40% (27–52) in women was attributable to the diagnosed psychiatric disorders that we investigated.InterpretationCertain psychiatric disorders are associated with a substantially increased hazard of violent reoffending. Because these disorders are prevalent and mostly treatable, improvements to prison mental health services could counteract the cycle of reoffending and improve both public health and safety. National violence prevention strategies should consider the role of prison health.FundingWellcome Trust, Swedish Research Council, and Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare.

Imprisoned Sex Offenders’ Chronic Denial and their Childhood Family Environment

Statistics in South Africa shows that sex offences are among the crimes that invoke the most public concern as anywhere else in the world. The number of sentenced sex offenders is increasing and denial by the sex offender is regarded as a risk factor for re-offending. Sex offenders who chronically deny their offenses are not only perceived as having a greater likelihood of recidivism, but additional questions about their childhood experiences and their experiences in their families of origin are also raised. This study described the family environment of non-admitting sex offenders and explored whether any family characteristics influenced their denial of the sexual offence. Qualitative research was applied and ten (10) incarcerated, non-admitting sex offenders were purposively selected from a Correctional Facility in the Western Cape. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants and Social Learning Theory was used as a lens to understand the dynamics. The findings of this study highlighted that most participants were raised in single-parent households with absent father figures, which had implications for their masculine identities and roles. These families were characterized by challenges such as domestic violence, substance abuse, unsatisfactory support and compromised parenting styles.

Predicting recidivism for offenders in UK substance dependence treatment: do mental health symptoms matter?

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to assess whether mental health symptoms affect one-year reoffending rates upon release from prison for participants engaging in substance dependence treatment in the UK.Design/methodology/approach– A retrospective cohort study was used to assess reconviction outcomes upon release. The Comprehensive Addiction and Psychological Evaluation (CAAPE) was administered to 667 inmates admitted to the programme. The effect of mental health, drug use, and static risk factors on reoffending was assessed at one-year post release.Findings– Logistic regression analysis showed that symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder at the start of substance dependence treatment increased the likelihood to reoffend, whilst Obsessive Compulsive Disorder symptoms and length of sentence decreased the likelihood to reoffend. Antisocial Personality Disorder symptoms show a trend towards increasing the likelihood to reoffend. In addition, previously established risk factors for reoffending, including dependence on heroin, crack/cocaine, and poly drug use significantly increased the likelihood of reconviction.Practical implications– Depressive symptomatology pre-treatment could affect reoffending outcomes for participants in substance dependence treatment in prison. An integrative approach addressing both substance misuse and mental health factors is pivotal. Future efforts to address both simultaneously can be made to improve assessment, training, treatment, and through care for prisoners in substance dependence treatment.Originality/value– Few studies have assessed the effect of mental health factors on reoffending outcomes for offenders in substance dependence treatment. A large sample was studied in an understudied population of UK prisoners in substance dependence treatment. The results have implications for clinical settings where mental health symptoms are not addressed concurrently with substance dependence. This finding can inform policy makers and practitioners who provide substance dependence treatment in prison.

Psychological interventions for adults who have sexually offended or are at risk of offending

Sexual offending is a serious social and public health problem. Surveys report high levels of psychiatric morbidity in survivors of sexual offences. Biological treatments of sex offenders include anti-libidinal medication: hormonal drugs that have a testosterone-suppressing effect and non-hormonal

Recidivism in subgroups of serious juvenile offenders: Different profiles, different risks?

Research has shown that the treatment of juvenile offenders is most effective when it takes into account the possible risk factors for re-offending. It may be asked whether juvenile offenders can be treated as one homogeneous group, or, if they are divisible into subgroups, whether different risk factors are predictive of recidivism. AIMS AND HYPOTHESES: Our aims were to find out whether serious juvenile offenders may be subdivided into clearly defined subgroups and whether such subgroups might differ in terms of the risk factors that predict recidivism. In a sample of 1111 serious juvenile offenders, latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups. For each juvenile offender, 70 risk factors were registered. Severity of recidivism was measured on a 12-point scale. Analysis was then conducted to identify the risk factors that best predicted the different patterns of recidivism. Four distinct subgroups of juvenile offenders were identified: serious violent offenders, violent property offenders, property offenders, and sex offenders. Violent property offenders were the most serious recidivists and had the highest number of risk factors. Serious violent offenders and property offenders were characterised by overt and covert behaviour, respectively. Sex offenders differed from the other three groups in the rarity of their recidivism and in the risk factors that are present. For each of these four subgroups, a different set of risk factors was found to predict severity of recidivism. Differences in recidivism rates occurred in spite of the fact that most of these youngsters had been in the standard treatment programme offered to serious juvenile offenders in the Netherlands. This was not a treatment outcome study, but the indication that two of the groups identified in our study appeared to be worse after going through this programme, whereas the other two did quite well in terms of recidivism lends weight to our idea that such classification of juvenile offenders may lead to more targeted treatment programmes that would better serve both the general public and the youths concerned.

Self-reported traumatic brain injury in male young offenders: A risk factor for re-offending, poor mental health and violence?

Adolescence is a risk period for offending and for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and TBI is a risk factor for poor mental health and for offending. TBI has been largely neglected from guidance on managing the mental health needs of young offenders. We sought to determine the rate of self-reported TBI, of various severities, in a male, adolescent youth offending population. We also aimed to explore whether TBI was associated with number of convictions, violent offending, mental health problems and drug misuse. Young male offenders aged 11 to 19 years were recruited from a Young Offender Institute, a Youth Offending Team and a special needs school. A total of 197 participants were approached and 186 (94.4%) completed the study. They completed self-reports on TBI, crime history, mental health and drug use. TBI with loss of consciousness (LOC) was reported by 46% of the sample. LOC consistent with mild TBI was reported by 29.6%, and 16.6% reported LOC consistent with moderate to severe TBI. Possible TBI was reported by a further 19.1%. Repeat injury was common – with 32% reporting more than one LOC. Frequency of self-reported TBI was associated with more convictions. Three or more self-reported TBIs were associated with greater violence in offences. Those with self-reported TBI were also at risk of greater mental health problems and of misuse of cannabis. TBI may be associated with offending behaviour and worse mental health outcomes. Addressing TBI within adolescent offenders with neurorehabilitative input may be important for improving well-being and reducing re-offending.

Is sexual offender denial related to sex offence risk and recidivism? A review and treatment implications

The present article reviews literature pertaining to denial among sexual offenders and its impact on sexual recidivism and treatment progress. It is concluded that the research does not convincingly demonstrate that denial is a risk factor for re-offending, nor that targeting denial in treatment is associated with improved treatment outcomes. It is argued that denial be viewed instead as a responsivity factor and as a cognitive distortion process that is common among sexual offenders, and that efforts be made to retain these individuals in treatment such that they may potentially reduce their likelihood to re-offend. Suggestions for addressing denial clinically in treatment are made.

Application of the Polygraph Examination in the Assessment and Treatment of Internet Sex Offenders

Mental health and criminal justice professionals have been faced with the emergence of a new category of sex offender who utilizes the Internet to initiate or commit deviant sexual acts. Although the number of sex-related Internet crimes continues to increase, there is limited information pertaining to the characteristics and offense patterns of this specific subtype of sex offender. This lack of information poses challenges in the assessment and treatment of this population. The polygraph examination, which may result in the revelation of previously undisclosed offenses or risk factors for re-offending, may have particular utility with Internet sex offenders given that little is known about the nature of their offense patterns. Although use of the polygraph may hold special promise for this population, caution is advised, given the limitations of polygraph techniques.