Needs Assessment and Treatment Goal Planning (From Female Offenders: Critical Perspectives and Effective Interventions, Second Edition, P 393-418, 2008, Ruth T. Zaplin, ed. -- See NCJ-225923)

• NCJ Number: 225933
• Author(s): Lorry Bradley
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 26 pages
• Sale Source: Jones and Bartlett Publishers
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter discusses the importance and specifics of individualized needs assessment and treatment goal planning for female offenders.

Abstract

Female offenders have a multitude of risk factors impeding their ability to become and remain law-abiding citizens. Through the completion of individualized needs assessments and treatment goal planning, these factors can be identified and processed with the female offender. The ability of an assessor to facilitate these procedures successfully can be hindered by clinical, legal, and ethical barriers. Also, the female offender’s life experiences can also impede the process. With training in reference to female offending populations, awareness of personal and societal biases about female offenders, and the assessor’s innate ability to build rapport with difficult client types, successful completion of needs assessments and treatment goal plans can be attained. The completion of individualized assessments and treatment goal planning are difficult tasks, yet essential to ensure the success of rehabilitative efforts for female offenders. This chapter presents clinical considerations for choosing and training an effective needs assessor, suggestions for developing individualized assessment protocols, and strategies for facilitating treatment goals. Exhibits and references