NCJ Number
223641
Date Published
2008
Length
348 pages
Annotation
This literature review examined the effectiveness of supervision programs in reducing recidivism for forensic psychiatric patients under hospital orders for treatment in Dutch custody clinics, with attention to sex offenders, offenders with a severe psychiatric disorders, and offenders with substance abuse problems.
Abstract
The overall conclusion of this literature review of relevant research is that too little academic research based on good methodology has been conducted, such that it is not yet possible to make unambiguous statements about the effectiveness of various supervision programs for the types of offenders examined in this study; however, a number of programs show promise. There is support for the effectiveness of intensive supervision programs that monitor an individual’s behavior and movements and also provide rehabilitation components that include treatment, skills training, and practical support. For offenders with substance abuse problems, drug treatment monitoring under close court supervision (drug courts) shows promise. For offenders with severe psychiatric disorders as well as sex offenders, treatment tailored to their needs while monitoring their behaviors also shows promise. There is either no support or limited support for the effectiveness of intensive supervision programs that consist mainly of monitoring behavior and movements. For future research on supervision programs for specific types of offenders, it is important to link the design and implementation of the program with a process and outcome evaluation based in the highest possible methodological quality. The studies reviewed in this research were obtained through targeted search in 7 databases, including Psychinfo and Web of Knowledge as well as the Web sites of 10 relevant organizations and the volumes of appropriate journals and associated bibliographies.