NCJ Number
196228
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 29 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2002 Pages: 447-471
Date Published
August 2002
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This Canadian study examined factors that contribute to attrition from correctional treatment and the implication that treatment noncompletion may have for issues concerning risk, recidivism, and responsivity.
Abstract
Participants included 93 violent offenders who had been referred to an intensive treatment program in a maximum-security correctional facility. Descriptive information, program participation, and recidivism data were obtained from comprehensive institutional and police records. Treatment noncompleters were found to have less formal education and less employment history in the community. They were more likely to be of aboriginal ancestry and classified to maximum security. Further, they scored lower on several process variables and were higher risk offenders. Subsequent analyses indicated that very high-risk aboriginal offenders were particularly vulnerable to dropping out of treatment (80 percent). Increased attention to basic responsivity issues (e.g., culture, cognitive ability) may be one way to help combat treatment attrition in offender populations that are at risk for dropping out. The finding that low academic attainment was related to failure to complete treatment raises a number of considerations. It suggests that treatment programs may be too sophisticated, demanding, or laden with complex material and assignments for candidates who do not have sufficient academic training. It is possible for treatment programs to be conducted at a slower pace, or offenders can receive individualized tutoring or instruction in program material. Also, pretreatment academic training could contribute to the treatment readiness of offenders who have deficiencies in their educational background. 2 tables, 2 figures, and 51 references