Treatment Of Offenders Research Articles

Mediators of change in psychological interventions for adult offenders with personality disorders: A scoping review of the literature.

Offenders with personality disorder cause disproportionate harm to society and pose significant challenges for those responsible for their care and rehabilitation. Personality disorders are heterogeneous in terms of symptoms, as well as their pathways to offending behaviour. Thus, there is limited evidence regarding effective interventions. One solution might be to focus on how interventions are delivered as well as what is delivered. Within the non-offender personality disorder literature, the identification of potential mediators of change has enabled interventions to focus on 'how' they are delivered (e.g., therapeutic alliance) rather than the intervention itself. We explore the evidence and present a scoping review of the available literature on the mechanisms of change in psychological treatments for offenders with personality disorder. Only one study was found in the scoping review, highlighting a significant gap in the evidence base. We discuss the implications of this finding and potential future directions.

Addressing Group Composition in Adult Sex Offender Treatment for Improved Process and Completion Status

Abstract: The methods used to place individuals into treatment groups vary significantly, and the most effective group composition for the adult sex offender population has yet to be determined. This archival study analyzed group completion status based on group therapy composition to determine if homogeneous or heterogeneous groups led to improved retention, which has been demonstrated to reduce recidivism. Included in this archival study were 148 individuals referred to treatment as usual in a community-based program in the Midwest. Heterogeneous groups on underlying psychological issues contributing to sexual crime may be a preferable option for adult clients in sex offender treatment.

The Role of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) in Uncovering Narcotics Crimes Among Students in the Legal Area of Medan City

This study examines the role of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) in addressing narcotics crimes among students in Medan City. The research explores the legal framework, police responsibilities, protective measures for children, influencing factors on law enforcement, and challenges faced by Polrestabes Medan. A descriptive-qualitative case study methodology is employed with statutory and case approaches. Primary data is obtained from interviews with the police, while secondary data comes from literature reviews. The normative-empirical legal research method analyzes legal principles, regulations, expert doctrines, and relevant literature. The research findings highlight the need for differentiated legal treatment for juvenile offenders and the application of Restorative Justice in juvenile criminal justice. Additionally, the study identifies internal and external challenges faced by Polrestabes Medan, including issues of mental discipline, low success rates in drug raids, and financial constraints. The research provides valuable insights to enhance law enforcement efforts in combating drug abuse among students, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of influencing factors and overcoming challenges.

Disciplinary welfare and the punitive turn in criminal justice: Parallel trends or communicating vessels?

When it comes to the relationship between social policy and penal policy, existing scholarship often focuses on the penal–welfare tradeoff, according to which countries with large and generous welfare states tend to have lower incarceration rates and less harsh treatment of offenders. We know much less about the relationship between the punitive turn in criminal justice and the use of discipline within social policy. Has there been a parallel trend of law-and-order policies and stricter benefit conditionality, a kind of ‘criminalization’ of welfare beneficiaries, as critical scholarship suggests? We test this idea for the first time with quantitative data, using public spending on public order and safety and unemployment benefit conditionality data for 18 rich democracies between 1990 and 2012, that is, the period when a punitive turn as well as the rise of activation and workfare is said to have taken place. Contrary to the critical literature, we do not find evidence of parallel trends toward more discipline in both areas, but rather a negative relationship of ‘communicating vessels’, where a greater use of disciplinary tools in social policy is associated with stagnating or even shrinking spending on police and prisons. Moreover, this pattern tends to emerge under conditions of higher welfare state generosity. These findings have important implications about the role of state ‘discipline’ in contemporary policymaking.

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

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

Reexamining predictors of trial outcomes in New York State's sex offender civil management process.

In 2007, New York enacted the Sex Offender Management and Treatment Act, empowering the state to civilly manage individuals who have committed sexual offenses (respondents) and are deemed to have a mental abnormality (MA) that predisposes them to sexually recidivate after serving their criminal sentences. We sought to replicate and extend a previous study (Lu et al., 2015) to identify factors predicting legal decisions. We predicted, on the basis of previous research, that clinical information (e.g., diagnosis) as well as empirically supported risk factors (e.g., sexual deviance) would predict trial outcomes. We analyzed multiple pieces of demographic, criminogenic, and clinical data on three nested subsamples of respondents on the basis of the legal process: MA consent (n = 713), MA trial (n = 316), and disposition hearing (n = 643). The binary outcomes of interest were as follows: For the MA consent subsample, it was whether the respondent waived their MA trial; for the MA trial subsample, it was whether the respondent was found at trial to have an MA; and for the disposition hearing, it was whether the respondent was ordered to inpatient or outpatient civil management. The strongest predictor of waiving the trial was geographic location; respondents outside New York City and Long Island were more likely to waive their trials (ORs = 2.38-3.37). The strongest predictors of MA trial and disposition hearing outcomes were Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnoses; pedophilia (ORs = 4.05-7.22) and sexual sadism (ORs = 2.68-7.03) diagnoses increased the likelihood of an MA finding and confinement order. Judges and juries give significant weight to clinical information, particularly pedophilia diagnoses, when making civil management legal decisions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The effectiveness of the offender personality disorder pathway: a propensity score-matched analysis

ABSTRACT Offenders with severe personality pathology are at significantly increased risk of serious and violent offending. In England and Wales, offenders who are likely to meet criteria for a diagnosis of personality disorder are managed within a network of ‘Offender Personality Disorder Pathway’ services. We conducted a retrospective cohort study over 6 years, using linked routine datasets, to examine the effectiveness of these services on male offenders (n = 28,321). We compared the outcomes of those who received a simple case formulation and had not been referred to Pathway services (the ‘Comparison group’), with a group of offenders who had received a complex case formulation and been referred to Pathway services (the ‘Treatment group’). Over time, significant improvements occurred in re-offending risk scores, and lower rates of behavioural disturbance among both Treatment and Comparison groups of offenders. However, no statistically significant differences were detected in the rates of improvement between Treatment and Comparison groups. Offending rates in both groups significantly increased over time, although there was no significant difference in the increase in offending rates between the Treatment and Comparison groups. Currently, there is no statistical evidence that the Pathway is associated with changes in offender behaviour.

Expanding Treatment, Recovery, and Reentry Services for Female Offenders: Improving Outcomes through Client-Centered Interventions.

This study investigated the impact of a specialized program aimed at improving substance use disorder and trauma treatment, recovery, and reentry services for adult female offenders. Trained recovery coaches delivered pretreatment interventions such as prescreening, motivational interviewing, and support-building to facilitate treatment entry and improve outcomes. Of 113 participants, 40% identified as racial/ethnic minorities, and 72% fell within the 25-45 age range. A notable 44.5% reduction in self-reported psychiatric symptoms was observed, alongside significant improvements in abstinence and trauma symptoms. Recovery capital and psychosocial functioning showed marked improvement including significant changes in employment status and housing stability and a decrease in criminal justice involvement. The results suggest that targeted, client-centered approaches can effectively improve recovery and psychosocial functioning among female offenders while reducing re-incarceration rates. These findings underscore the importance of addressing the unique needs of this population in both pre-and post-release settings to ensure equitable access to reentry services.

Legal Perspectives on the Rehabilitation of Sex Offenders: Efficacy, Ethical Considerations, and the Pursuit of Recidivism Reduction

This dissertation critically examines the efficacy of group-based therapeutic interventions for sex offenders within correctional facilities, aiming to enhance rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. Despite contemporary treatment paradigms demonstrating some effectiveness, as indicated by lower recidivism rates among treated offenders, the success of these programs is not uniform, prompting a need for reevaluation. Treatment challenges include infrastructural limitations, the need for individualized approaches due to offenders' diverse psychosocial profiles, and the complexity of achieving group cohesion. Furthermore, high dropout rates and short assessment periods undermine the establishment of evidence-based practices. The dissertation advocates for a stratified approach to therapy, recognizing individual psychological profiles and tailoring treatment accordingly. It calls for advancements in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) methodologies within Sex Offender Treatment Programs (SOTPs), considering ethical dimensions of interventions such as chemical castration, and employing Multisystemic Therapy (MST) with biometric monitoring to better assess and manage recidivism risks. This synthesis of academic literature and analysis of programmatic limitations highlights the necessity of refining sex offender rehabilitation to ensure public safety effectively.

Predictors of Early Treatment Termination in Patients Detained under §64 StGB - A Literature Review

The treatment of addicted offenders detained under § 64 of the German Criminal Code can be terminated prematurely. There is an extensive literature on predictors of such premature termination concerned with factors established before treatment. The aim of this paper is to present predictors of premature termination that become apparent during the course of therapy. We conducted a systematic literature search and included 16 publications. Patients and therapists rated impulsivity/aggressiveness, substance use relapses and a lack of patient-therapist relationship as negative predictors. Both groups assessed as beneficial the presence of motivation and a positive social network. To prevent early treatment termination a positive patient-therapist relationship, motivation and working through incidents during therapy is essential.

Involvement of minors in the criminal process: procedural regulation according to the legislation of the Republic of Kosovo

This study explores the significance of juvenile personality in criminal proceedings within Kosovo’s legal framework, emphasising juveniles' unique psychological, social and biological development stages and their impact on criminal behaviour. Despite the global interest in juvenile justice, there is a notable gap in literature specific to Kosovo, particularly concerning the consideration of personality traits and cognitive maturity in legal processes. Through an analysis of the Code of Juvenile Justice and the Code of Criminal Procedure, along with case studies and interviews with police, prosecutors, judges and psychologists, the research addresses this gap. Key findings highlight that while Kosovo’s legal framework provides robust protections for juveniles, practical challenges include delayed identification, insufficient privacy enforcement and resource constraints. The study underscores the importance of psychologist involvement during interrogations and the need for age-appropriate communication. Additionally, it points out the limited number of specialised personnel and rehabilitation institutions as major obstacles. The research advocates for enhanced training, increased resources and a review of current sanctions to ensure the juvenile justice system prioritises rehabilitation over punishment. This study aims to improve the understanding of juvenile personality in legal proceedings, promoting fair and just treatment for young offenders. Keywords: Criminal Process; Juvenile Personality; Kosovo Juvenile Justice.

Exploring Correctional Treatment Interventions for Young Offenders who Committed Violent Crimes

Exploring Correctional Treatment Interventions for Young Offenders who Committed Violent Crimes

Personality disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders in the Italian forensic psychiatric population: clinical features, pattern of violence and treatment

Starting in 2015, the Residencies for Execution of Security Measures (REMS) became the place of treatment and care for dangerous offenders who were acquitted due to a mental disorder in Italy. Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) and personality disorders (PD) are the most common psychiatric disorders among REMS patients. This study aimed to identify and describe potential clinical, therapeutic, and criminal-related differences in REMS patients with SSD and PD. A sample of 528 REMS patients extracted from a previous observational retrospective study underwent secondary analysis. The group of PD patients (n = 150) comprised more females (p < 0.001) and had a higher frequency of substance abuse (p < 0.001) than the SSD group (n = 378). The SSD group was more frequently admitted to the REMS due to homicide/attempted homicide (p < 0.001). Among SSD patients, we found a higher recognition of criminal irresponsibility (p < 0.001). Patients with PD were more likely to engage in violent behavior in the REMS than their SSD counterparts (p < 0.001). Patients with SSD were more likely to receive antipsychotic polypharmacy (p < 0.05) and a higher dose of antipsychotics (p < 0.001). These initial results provide empirical evidence to support the need for personalized forensic treatment paths.

Program Providers’ Perceptions of Restorative and Transformative Justice in the Context of Domestic Violence Offender Treatment in North Carolina

ABSTRACT Restorative justice (RJ) and other innovative approaches are increasingly being considered in lieu of traditional legal responses to intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. This formative qualitative study investigated the perspectives of 29 North Carolina-based domestic violence intervention program (DVIP) providers, domestic violence service program providers, and North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence staff members regarding RJ and transformative justice (TJ) in the context of DVIP programming. Participants had mixed opinions about integrating RJ and TJ practices into current offender treatment and cited structural and organizational barriers to adoption. Simultaneously, they emphasized the cruciality of expanding inter-organizational networks and uncoupling offender treatment from the legal system. Participants cited increased inter-organizational cooperation and community involvement as critical steps in modifying offender treatment to include more restorative principles. Policies and institutional practices that endorse RJ and TJ may improve the effectiveness and transformational capability of offender treatment and increase healing for survivors.

Gender responsivity in the assessment and treatment of offenders

Risk assessment tools used to assess justice-involved women have been predominantly developed using male offenders, with validations for females having mixed results. Female-specific risk assessment tools are not well established, and validations are limited. In terms of treatment, either programmes in various jurisdictions have been developed specifically for females, or addendums are available to assist in the facilitation of programmes initially developed for male offenders. The efficacy of these has been varied with gender-responsive programmes proving to be more successful in the reduction of reoffending if justice-involved women follow a gender-specific pathway to offending than if they follow a non-gender-specific pathway. This paper discusses gender differences in offending and provides an overview of assessment and treatment of justice-involved women in Australia, the UK, New Zealand and Canada. The assessment and treatment practices for justice-involved women are viewed through an evidence-based lens, and opportunities for future development are identified.

Pinpointing change in virtual reality assisted treatment for violent offenders: a pilot study of Virtual Reality Aggression Prevention Training (VRAPT).

Preventing relapse into violence and its destructive consequences among persistent re-offenders is a primary concern in forensic settings. The Risk-Need-Responsivity framework models the best current practice for offender treatment, focused on building skills and changing pro-criminal cognitions. However, treatment effects are often modest, and the forensic context can obstruct the delivery of interventions. Developing treatments for offenders should focus on the best method of delivery to make "what works work." Virtual reality (VR)-assisted treatments such as Virtual Reality Aggression Prevention Training (VRAPT) are a new and innovative approach to offender treatment. This pilot study followed 14 male violent offenders who participated in VRAPT in a Swedish prison context and measured changes from pre-treatment to post-treatment and 3-month follow-up in targeted aggression, emotion regulation, and anger. It also investigated potential impact factors (pro-criminal cognitions, externalizing behaviors, psychosocial background, and childhood adverse experiences). In Bayesian linear mixed effects models, participants showed a high probability of change from pre-treatment to post-treatment and to follow-up on all outcome measures. All outcome measures demonstrated a low probability of change from post-treatment to follow-up. Analysis of reliable change showed that participants' results ranged from recovery to deterioration. We discuss the implications of the study for VRAPT's impact on the target group, those who might benefit from the approach, and suggested foci for future studies in the field of VR-assisted offender treatment. The study was preregistered at the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number registry (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14916410).

An economic evaluation of restorative justice post-sentence in England and Wales.

Participation in restorative justice interventions post-sentence has been shown to reduce reoffending and mitigate harm to victims. Investment in, and access to, restorative justice remains limited in England and Wales. An economic model was developed to synthesize the available evidence in order to develop contemporary and robust estimates of the economic impact of investment in restorative justice interventions. This research focused on direct and indirect restorative justice interventions for victims and offenders post-sentence in England and Wales. Included offences were those with an identifiable victim. A model was developed to estimate the social benefit-cost ratio of restorative justice, as well as the direct financial return to the criminal justice system. The modeled benefits of restorative justice included reductions in reoffending and direct wellbeing benefits for victims. It was not possible to incorporate direct wellbeing benefits for offenders due to evidence gaps. In the model, 8% of referrals to restorative justice resulted in direct restorative justice interventions and 19% resulted in indirect Restorative justice interventions. The modeled cost of the restorative justice pathway per direct intervention was £3,394. The base case estimate for the social benefit-cost ratio of restorative justice was £14 per £1 invested, with a direct return to the criminal justice system of £4 as a result of substantial reductions in reoffending. Scenario analysis suggested a plausible range of £7 to £20 social benefit per £1 invested. Hypothetically, increasing the proportion of eligible cases referred for a restorative justice intervention from 15 to 40% could be associated with an increase in investment of £5 m, and benefits to the criminal justice system totaling £22 m, implying a net saving of £17 m. The research suggests that Restorative justice has the potential to yield a substantial social return on investment (SROI) and direct return on investment to the criminal justice system. The economic case for investment in restorative justice centers on identifying offenders with a high risk of offending and enabling them to participate in an intervention that has been repeatedly demonstrated to help them to change their behavior.

Best practice in sexual offender rehabilitation and reintegration programs

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

Is special treatment of a minor offender against the best interests of the minor victim?

AbstractThe UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as EU regulations, demand that in all actions concerning children, the best interest of the child shall be the primary consideration. This principle also applies to criminal proceedings. Juvenile delinquency is often committed against other juveniles. In Finnish criminal policy and legislation, juvenile offenders are treated more leniently than adults, and the starting point in intervention is education and guidance. In cases where the suspect and the victim are minors, the best interests of the children should be balanced between them. In such cases, the rights of the child should apply equally to both parties. As a result, we found that the best interests of the child in criminal proceedings should be understood as a procedural obligation.&#x0D; FN:s konvention om barnets rättigheter och EU:s förordningar kräver att barnets bästa ska komma i främsta rummet vid åtgärder som rör barn. Detta gäller även vid straffrättsliga förfaranden. Ungdomsbrottslighet begås ofta mot andra ungdomar. I Finlands kriminalpolitik och lagstiftning behandlas unga lagöverträdare mildare än vuxna och utgångspunkten för ingripanden är utbildning och vägledning. I fall där den misstänkte och offret är minderåriga ska barnets bästa vägas samman mellan dem. I detta fall bör barnets rättigheter gälla lika mycket för båda. Som ett resultat av detta konstaterade vi att barnets bästa i straffrättsliga förfaranden bör betraktas som en processuell skyldighet.

A conceptual framework for internet child abuse material offenders: risk-relevant therapy based on assessed risk factors

Offenders who commit sexual offences against children are progressively recognised, prosecuted, assessed and treated. As technology advances, internet child sexual abuse material (I/CAM) offences increase in pertinence to forensic assessment and treatment. A new proposal in I/CAM therapeutics, the Estimated Risk of Internet Child Sexual Offending (ERICSO) is a framework for individualised, risk-relevant treatment formulation based on identified risk factors. An international scoping review of I/CAM treatment programmes was conducted prior to elucidating our proposed treatment model for I/CAM offenders. Combining risk-relevant and compassionate therapies, we propose a treatment framework based on the risk–needs–responsivity model and relevant factors, recognising diversity of I/CAM offenders. Incorporating proven constructs in offender assessment and treatment with specific application to the I/CAM offender cohort, the ERICSO assists professionals to formulate risk-relevant, individual therapy and set meaningful goals. The delivery of compassionate therapeutic interventions to I/CAM offenders will improve rehabilitative outcomes and community protection.