NCJ Number
189222
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2001 Pages: 18-20
Date Published
January 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Based on the findings of the relevant literature, this article suggests ways to improve offender motivation for participation in and effective performance in programming; it also describes what the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is doing in this area.
Abstract
One category of motivational factors pertains to client characteristics (problem severity and confidence that he/she can change and manage relapse). Offender motivation in this area can be enhanced through individual or group interventions that help offenders recognize the impact of their problems, support self-efficacy, and teach relapse prevention. Another category of motivational factors relates to therapist (staff) characteristics. Offender motivation for treatment can be improved by training and recruiting staff who meet the characteristics of effective intervenors; i.e., they are enthusiastic, competent, and empathic, and they encourage self-efficacy and model prosocial beliefs and values. A third category of motivation factors involves the therapeutic (staff-offender) relationship. In this area, improving offender motivation stems from the development of goals based on consensus through a staff-offender relationship that is supportive but directive. A fourth area of motivational factors stems from client-service matching. Motivation is stimulated by providing programs that are structured, skills-based, progressive, and not too cognitively complex. Environmental support constitutes a sixth arena in which offender motivation can be improved. Motivation can be strengthened by providing an environment that supports changes, notes and encourages efforts to change, identifies other sources of support outside of treatment, and provides access to a range of options to assist in change. The CSC is training correctional staff in techniques for improving offender motivation for participation in and quality performance in programming; incorporating motivational enhancement modules at the beginning of treatment programs; and developing packages of initiatives designed to increase offender motivation to address criminogenic risk factors. 15 notes and 2 tables