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"I Am Not Now Who I Used to Be Then": Risk Assessment and the Maturation of Long-Term Prison Inmates

NCJ Number
229782
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 90 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2010 Pages: 4-11
Author(s)
Hans Toch
Date Published
March 2010
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article was presented by the author at the 2009 Annual Meeting and Conference of the International Correctional and Prison Association and discusses his views on risk assessment and maturation of long-term prisoners.
Abstract
The average long-term prisoner's risk of reoffending diminishes with age, in part because some prisoners experience significant maturation and undergo substantial and relevant personality change. This process can be supported by prison staff through the sponsorship of activities and programming designed to promote personal development. Prisoner-release decisions that emphasize offense-related information can take greater account of prisoners' efforts and achievements in confinement. References (Published Abstract)