Treatment Of Offenders Research Articles

The profile of people entering the ‘EQUIPS’ offender treatment programs in New South Wales’

ABSTRACT New South Wales has the largest population of incarcerated people in Australia, with increasing levels of community supervision. Corrective Services NSW offers eligible people the EQUIPS suite of offender treatment programs, which follow the Risk-Need-Responsivity model of offender rehabilitation. Referrals to the programs are also targeted to meet the specific reoffending needs of individuals, including EQUIPS Foundation, Aggression, Addiction and Domestic Abuse. This study examined the profile of people targeted for treatment in NSW by examining demographic, sentencing and criminogenic characteristics within a cohort of 18,963 individuals allocated to attend EQUIPS programs in custody and in the community between 2015 and 2018. Most individuals allocated to EQUIPS programs (80%) had a history of criminal justice system involvement, were male, with low education and most often from major cities or inner regional areas. Around a third were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Less than half of those referred to EQUIPS participated in at least one treatment session and only one quarter completed the course of treatment. Recommendations for improved program delivery include: 1) more timely risk assessment and allocation to programs during individual’s sentences; and 2) enhancing equitable allocation between custodial and community settings based on individual risk and the types of programs available.

What is effective in forensic addiction treatment? A non-systematic look into the evidence base for treatment approaches and interventions in the context of Sect. 64 of the German Criminal Code

Forensic addiction treatment according to Section 64 of the German Criminal Code is playing an increasingly important role in the German system of correctional institutions. In recent years, the question of the effectiveness of treatment as a whole has been the focus of numerous studies. Less frequently, however, research has addressed the evidence base of therapeutic interventions and efficacy factors. Since this article takes a non-systematic look into the current state of knowledge on specific interventions and factors that play a role in the effective treatment of addicted offenders, the question of what exactly works can only be answered in a rudimentary way. The concept of Therapeutic Community appears to be largely empirically supported. Based on such evidence as is currently available, motivational interviewing and dialectical-behavioral therapy can be considered the most promising forms of therapy. The effectiveness of forensic addiction treatment lies possibly less in the application of individual approaches than in questions of the setting and the attitude of those providing treatment.

Community-Based Treatment for Individuals Convicted of Sexual Offenses Using the Integrated Risk Assessment and Treatment System Model Versus Standard Correctional Programming

The present investigation examined a group of 90 clients receiving treatment for issues related to sexual offending in The Central District (Ontario) Sex Offender Treatment Program operated by Correctional Service Canada (CSC). Treatment was provided in line with the Integrated Risk Assessment and Treatment System (IRATS) Model developed by the authors. A group of 55 individuals who had not received sexual offense–specific treatment but who received standard correctional programming offered by paraprofessionals were used as a basis of comparison. Risk assessment data were available for all clients included in the analyses. Results indicated that there were no differences between groups on the RRASOR (an actuarial instrument designed to assess risk of sexual offense recidivism) with reference to sexual offender recidivism risk. With reference to sexual offense recidivism, only one of the treated clients recidivated sexually over 8.17 years of follow-up versus four of the 55 comparison group who were followed for a significantly shorter period of time (i.e., 6.9 years).

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RISK ASSESSMENT IN PRISON SENTENCING

Parallel to the growing knowledge on the principles of effective treatment of offenders, during the last two decades, there has been significant development in the field of risk assessment. However, there is little research on the use of standardized risk assessment procedures in practice. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between the individual level of risk and characteristics of the treatment of inmates in the Tuzla Semi-Open Correctional Facility. The sample consisted of 67 inmates of both sexes (70.1% male and 22.9% female), aged from 24 to 67 (M = 40.60; SD = 10.81). Data was collected by analyzing the official records. Results of this study reveals few differences in the treatment of inmates according to their risk level. Statistically significant differences were recorded in 2 of 12 treatment characteristics, namely, an internal classification and the frequency of the individual meeting with a counsellor. These findings indicate the obstacles in the implementation of risk assessment in routine practice.Keywords:inmates, risk assessment, treatment, prison sentence

(038) Sexual Issues Due to Comorbidities in Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Abstract Introduction Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is used to describe the range of conditions associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. FASD is characterized by growth deficits, facial dysmorphia and central nervous system abnormalities. When an individual with an FASD remains undiagnosed and proper interventions are not instituted, secondary disabilities are common. Prenatal exposure to alcohol affects the individual’s development, cognition and learning, which results in characteristic ways of thinking and behaving. Deficits can range from mild cognitive deficits such as subtle effects on executive function, memory and adaptive behavior to profound intellectual disability and severe behavioral problems that result from poor self-regulation. Objectives To examine adverse life outcomes regarding sexual behavior in individuals with FASD. Methods A literature search was performed using keywords relating to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, FASD Development, FASD Cognition and FASD Sexual issues. Results Findings showed that one of the strongest correlates of adverse life outcomes including inappropriate sexual behaviors was lack of an early diagnosis. The longer FASD went undiagnosed, the greater the odds of adverse outcomes. One study that examined 415 subjects with FASD of ages ranging from six to fifty-one noted that inappropriate sexual behaviors was the most frequent adverse life outcome increasing with age. Inappropriate sexual behavior was defined by sentencing to a sexual offending treatment program or a persistent pattern of encounters with at least one of these sexual behaviors: obscene phone calls, sex with animals, voyeurism, incest, masturbation in public, compulsions, exposure, promiscuity, sexual advances, and sexual touching. It was concluded that symptoms of FASD may make it challenging to distinguish between inappropriate and appropriate sexual behaviors due to functional and cognitive deficits. For the same reasons, individuals with FASD do not generally improve after standard cognitive behavioral programming for addressing sexually inappropriate behaviors. Conclusions There has been very little empirical research on the role of FASD in inappropriate sexual behavior. In addition, environmental factors associated with prenatal alcohol exposure may play a role in the increased incidence of inappropriate sexual behaviors. One study that examined inappropriate sexual behaviors in individuals with FASD found that almost all the females in the study that exhibited these behaviors had also experienced physical, sexual abuse or violence against themselves. Additionally, half of them had alcohol or drug related issues. Further research into sexual issues related to FASD is required to confirm causality in findings so far. Disclosure No.

Adverse childhood experiences and psychosocial functioning problems for youths who sexually harm siblings

ABSTRACT This study explores adverse childhood experiences and problematic psychosocial functioning for youths who exhibit harmful sexual behaviours (HSBs) against siblings in comparison to those that sexually harm non-siblings. In a sample of Australian male adolescents referred to a specialised sexual offending treatment service, greater prevalence of all adverse experiences investigated, except for caregiver incarceration, was found for youths who harmed siblings. Youths whose sexual behaviours harmed siblings were differentiated from other youths with HSBs in regard to characteristics of caregivers, including caregiver mental health issues, caregiver sexual victimisation experiences, and instability in caregivers during childhood. In addition, youths who exhibited HSBs against siblings experienced a greater total number of adversities in their lives and were characterised by poorer psychosocial functioning, such as social exclusion and internalising problems. Implications of these findings for clinical treatment is discussed. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT This research identifies developmental risk factors of youths who exhibit HSBs against siblings and examines if and how these differ from characteristics of youths who sexually harm non-siblings. Greater understanding of youths who sexually harm siblings allows treatment and prevention strategies to be tailored to their specific needs.

Criminal Sentencing in the CRPD Era: Lessons from Singapore

On 27 April 2022, Singapore executed Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam, a 33-year-old Malaysian who was convicted of trafficking 42.72 grams of heroin. His execution was carried out despite calls from United Nations (UN) human rights experts, including the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, for the government to commute his death sentence inter alia on the basis that Nagaenthran did not have access to procedural accommodations for his disability during his interrogation and death sentences should not be carried out on persons with serious psychosocial and intellectual disabilities. Nagaenthran’s execution has put Singapore’s criminal legal system, particularly in respect of its treatment of offenders with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, under international scrutiny.

Development of a modern prejudice toward juveniles scale (MPJS) and its psychometric properties

ABSTRACT The treatment of juvenile offenders remains a problem of broad interest in many societies. The current study aimed to develop and validate a Modern Prejudice toward Juveniles Scale (MPJS) and examine its psychometric properties, including its relationships with preferences in juvenile criminal policy. Study 1 (N = 266) investigated the factor structure of item candidates when respondents were instructed to think of 18- and 19-year-olds as juveniles. An exploratory factor analysis yielded a two-factor model, with each having acceptable reliability. Additionally, based on the characteristics of each item, which were examined using the graded response model, 10 items were retained in the provisional scale. The multi-group confirmatory factor analysis conducted in Study 2 (N = 866) confirmed the two-factor model and its generalizability to other age groups (i.e. 16/17 and 14/15). Convergent validity with social dominance orientation and right-wing authoritarianism, incremental validity with support for harsher punishment and rehabilitation, and real-name reporting were examined and confirmed. Overall, the results support the reliability, convergent validity, and incremental validity of the MPJS.

Adjudication and Treatment of Narcotic Drug Offenders in Ghana

Narcotic drug trafficking is a criminal and punishable offence in every country the world over. The use of certain narcotic drugs, on the other hand (especially marijuana), has been legalised in some countries, but under strict regulations. Like other countries, and as a signatory to the United Nations Conventions on narcotic drugs, Ghana has implemented severe punitive sanctions for narcotic drug-related offences to deter people from engaging in this crime. This paper assesses in detail the legal regime dealing with the adjudication and treatment of narcotic drug offenders in Ghana. It reveals that narcotic-related offences carry severe sentences including fines, imprisonment, or both fine and imprisonment. However, as narcotic drug use is currently deemed a public health issue, offenders may be sentenced to treatment facilities rather than imprisonment. Such treatment may be received in either a public or a private facility, and involves a combination of evidence-based and faith-based approaches.

About the Missouri Government Response to Incest - #Fulton State Hospital (FSH) Sexual Offender Rehabilitation & Treatment Services (SORTS) - #Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA)

About the Missouri Government Response to Incest - #Fulton State Hospital (FSH) Sexual Offender Rehabilitation & Treatment Services (SORTS) - #Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Practitioner Reflections on Sex Offender Treatment in Remote Communities

We offer reflections on practitioner service provision for sex offenders when working in remote communities. The social ecological model framework is used to capture the influence on practitioner working at an individual, relationship, community, and societal level. The social construction and geographic conditions of sexual offending within remote communities present myriad challenges for professionals working in these isolative settings in which they are embedded. Challenges include being the sole expert in a community, unavoidable dual relationships, community anxieties, and restrictive guidelines and assessment measures. Despite the challenges presented to practitioners operating in remote communities, many opportunities are available for building local and international peer relationships, connecting with the community, individualized treatment for clients, and flexibility in the adaptation of best practice to fit the needs of remote communities while maintaining ethical integrity.

Change of therapists in socio-therapeutic offender treatment

ZusammenfassungDie therapeutische Allianz gilt mithin als wichtigster Wirkfaktor für den Erfolg von Psychotherapie. Kommt es zu (geplanten oder ungeplanten) Therapeut*innenwechseln innerhalb der Behandlung, muss eine therapeutische Beziehung oft mühsam neu aufgebaut werden. Auch in der Sozialtherapie können solche Wechsel stattfinden, indes ist jedoch wenig über die Gründe und Häufigkeiten selbiger bekannt. In einer qualitativen Interviewbefragung mit 19 Expert*innen psychologischer Fachdienste aus sozialtherapeutischen Anstalten in 5 Bundesländern wurden Gründe für Therapeut*innenwechsel erfragt. Als häufigste Gründe für Wechsel ergaben sich hierbei allgemeine Interaktionsprobleme, Personalwechsel, Elternzeit sowie Stationswechsel des Inhaftierten oder Behandelnden. Dabei berichtete die Mehrzahl der Interviewten, dass Wechsel gar nicht oder nur in Ausnahmefällen von Inhaftierten initiiert werden konnten. Wechsel wurden zudem vor allem bei Inhaftierten mit Bindungsstörungen vermieden. Möglichkeiten zur Steigerung von Kontinuität innerhalb der Sozialtherapie sowie Grenzen der Entscheidungsfreiheit von Inhaftierten werden abschließend diskutiert.

Learning From Consumers of Mandated Sex-Offending Programs: "It's Not Treatment, I Wish It Was."

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore clients' perceptions of sex-offending treatment. The sample included 291 people required to register as sex offenders in the U.S. who answered an open-ended question in an online survey asking them to describe their positive and negative experiences in mandated treatment. Using qualitative analysis, three overarching themes (with several subthemes) were identified: (1) positive and (2) negative treatment experiences and (3) the affiliation between the criminal justice system and clinical services. Experiences in sex offending treatment were viewed as positive when clients had opportunities to learn about themselves, experience group cohesion, build a positive alliance with a caring therapist, learn tools and skills for emotional health, explore the roots of offense behavior, and create healthy life plans to reduce risk for re-offending. Negative themes emerged when treatments were viewed as coercive, confrontational, or demeaning; when therapists seemed inexperienced or unqualified; and when seemingly outdated or unscientific methods were emphasized without explanation or dialogue. The entanglement between court-mandated treatment providers and the criminal justice system led to concerns about confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and role ambiguity. Drawing upon literature related to therapeutic alliance, trauma-informed care, and Risk-Need-Responsivity models, we offer suggestions for integrating client feedback to improve treatment responsivity and prevent re-offending.

Female Inmates and Young Offenders: A Call for Implementation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019

On the 14th August 2019, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari signed into law a bill that repels the Prisons Act CAP P 29, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and provides a change in nomenclature for the foremost correctional institution in Nigeria, Nigeria Prison Service (NPS) to Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) . Apart from the obvious change in name, the Act provides for quite a number of amendments geared towards a total overhaul of the activities of the service and a much expected radical change in the treatment of offenders in Nigeria, as well as an overall more-friendly environment for the inevitable erring and recalcitrant members of our society. This paper looks at the amendments as it relates to females and young offenders and discusses the implications of those amendments in line with International Best Practices and Requirements. It calls for urgent implementation of the novel provisions, for nothing would have been done if the amendments are not given practical realization. Keywords: Correctional Service, females and young offenders, amendments, implementation DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/130-02 Publication date: March 31 st 2023

Enhancing psychological treatment for violent offenders: A narrative review of treatment approaches to target aggressive script rehearsal

Enhancing psychological treatment for violent offenders: A narrative review of treatment approaches to target aggressive script rehearsal

Descriptive analysis of pathways to Care and Rehabilitation among Psychiatric Offenders after the closing of Forensic Psychiatric Hospitals in Italy

After the closing of Forensic Psychiatric Hospitals in Italy, promoted by the law 81/2014, pathways to care and rehabilitation of Psychiatric Offenders have been redesigned: the Departments of Mental Health have been assigned the task of developing specific treatment paths for offenders and those patients considered to be socially dangerous. Residential Forensic Psychiatric System (REMS, Residenze per l'Esecuzione della Misure di Sicurezza) has been designed to accomplish a preeminent therapeutic purpose for these patients. Aim: this descriptive study aimed to report on the pathways to care and rehabilitation, after five years from the closing of forensic hospitals, among psychiatric offenders from the Department of Mental Health of Foggia, a large urban area in Puglia, in the south of Italy. Methods: medical records of 100 psychiatric offenders and/or socially dangerous mentally ill patients from Foggia have been collected and reviewed from May 2018 to March 2019 for gathering socio-demographic and clinical information. Results: socio- demographic and clinical characteristics of examined cases were similar to those reported in other Italian studies; 55% of offenders have been diagnosed with a mental disorder before committing their first offense: 62% schizophrenia and other psychoses> 17% bipolar disorders > 7% depressive disorders> 5% anxiety disorders = 5% personality disorders> 3% substances abuse (only) > 1% others. Crimes committed were: 48% against persons or sexual abuse> 19% robbery or theft>10% trafficking of drugs; 12% homicides; 11% others. Diagnosis of psychosis was significantly associated with a high rate of crime against persons. Also, 38% of the sample did not receive any rehabilitation intervention and were detained in prison, even if the rate of rehabilitation increased after the approval of the law. Conclusions: these realworld findings reported on the increase of specific rehabilitation interventions for psychiatric offenders after five years from the closing of forensic hospitals. Emerging characteristics of this study may suggest new tailored interventions to be discussed and adopted in the clinical management of this challenging group of severely mentally ill patients.

What’s new on the treatment of pedophilia and hebephilia?

IntroductionParaphilias constitute a set of psychiatric conditions that are often chronic and require a combination of treatment approaches, such as pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Sexual interest toward prepubescents and pubescents (pedophilia and hebephilia) is frequently identified in criminal settings, within numerous child sexual abuse and child pornography offenses. The high prevalence rates and negative consequences of these acts, causing distress in multiple important areas of health and functioning, reveal the importance of preventing these offenses as a clinical and social matter. Secondary prevention programs, which provide treatment and support for those with paraphilia disorders before sexually abusive behaviors and legal system involvement, show as ethically and socially necessary.ObjectivesWe aim to discuss and bring insights into the knowledge on pedophilia and hebephilia treatments and prevention programs, in the fields of psychotherapy as well as pharmacologic strategies.MethodsWe present a non-systematic review of the updated literature on this subject from the data found on the PubMed and PsycInfo databases.ResultsPreliminary results of recent works show that at-risk individuals with paraphilia disorders are often willing to seek treatment without external pressure from the legal system, and report benefits from early treatments. Most studies found that gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists reduce the risk of child sexual abuse in men with pedophilia. An injectable form has shown to lower this risk 2 weeks after the initial injection, suggesting its use as a rapid-onset treatment option. Cyproterone acetate and medroxyprogesterone acetate are other anti-androgen drugs that inhibit hypersexual behavior, with important side effects to be considered. The combination of androgen deprivation treatment and psychotherapy has a greater effect on preventing fantasies, urges, and behaviours in paraphilic patients. Cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy shows the best results and should soon be initiated in all patients. Biomolecular studies revealed that serotonin and prolactin inhibit sexual arousal, being SSRIs used as first treatment in younger patients, particularly in less severe cases.ConclusionsEvidence-based treatments from randomized clinical trials for paedophilic and hebephilic disorders are lacking. These current numbers reveal the need for widespread implementation of primary and secondary prevention initiatives, that go beyond the prevention of a repeated offense. There is a need for further research using controlled, randomized trials to examine the effectiveness of sexual offender treatment including psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic interventions. The development of more specific, more effective, and better-tolerated medications for these disorders should be recognized as a program worthy of greater support from government and pharmaceutical industry sources.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Book Review: Sicard Louise A., Exploring High-Risk Offender Treatment and the Role of Music Therapy

Book Review: Sicard Louise A., Exploring High-Risk Offender Treatment and the Role of Music Therapy

International Legal Standards in Crime Prevention

A qualitatively new stage in the development of international and national criminal law was marked by the international standards created to combat crime and the treatment of offenders by the global community, which deepens their interaction and establishes conditions for crime prevention and the protection of human rights. The purpose of the academic paper is to identify the primary crime prevention standards, their initiators and disseminators, the principal standardization areas, and approaches to address the issue. The research aims to show modern international norms and standards based on investigating the UN declarations and other normative documents formed by international organizations considering their development prospects. The need for more scientific, legal literature on modern standardization in crime prevention determines the research relevance. Therefore, this research is based on the last three UN Congresses in world crime prevention. The results show systematized information and the standardization of crime prevention. The study reviews the primary standards in the criminal treatment and detainee juvenile offenders and methods of combating modern problems in the information space, human trafficking, and terrorism. Emphasis is also placed on gender policy, corruption, and other contemporary issues. The research shows that the UN holds the Congresses according to the social development and crimes variety once in five years. The relevant problems of the modern world are computer technology crimes, crime in COVID-19, and corruption.

The influence of a Learning to Forgive Program on institutional offending and recidivism among offenders with mental disorder.

Previous researchers have demonstrated that learning to forgive may reduce the likelihood of offending/reoffending. Forgiveness therapy may be useful for rehabilitation by assisting traumatized individuals to release revengeful emotions. The current study is a follow up to a previous study that examined the effects of a 6-week forgiveness psychoeducational intervention for offenders with mental disorders. The aim of the current study was to determine any differences for participants who received a forgiveness intervention versus a control group for rates of recidivism (likelihood of reoffending and length of time to reoffend) and type of institutional offense. Recidivism data was collected through the Canadian Police Information Center. Both the control and treatment group in this study were selected from offenders with mental disorder at the Regional Psychiatric Centre, a multilevel forensic psychiatry hospital in Saskatoon, Canada. Results indicated that participants who received the forgiveness intervention took significantly longer than the control group to both commit non-violent offenses, and to be convicted of any offense. Results suggest that forgiveness therapy for offender populations may improve behavior and reduce recidivism.