NCJ Number
185809
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2000 Pages: 24-28
Date Published
May 2000
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article examines treatment resistance in corrections.
Abstract
The article discusses sources of resistance, presents strategies to reduce resistance, and describes treatment engagement strategies used in a specific Correctional Service of Canada intervention, the Persistently Violent Offender treatment program. Client variables related to treatment resistance can be classified as: disorder, personality, behavioral, fears, and self-serving. Treatment variables also can affect resistance: cultural disparities between clients and clinicians, clinicians' misinterpretation of clients' behavior or clinicians' response in a way that exacerbates the situation. The article describes strategies to reduce resistance as well as issues related to forensic populations and settings. The Persistently Violent Offender Treatment Program is a multi-year, multi-site non-residential treatment program currently offered in two medium-security institutions in Canada. It targets offenders having at least three convictions for violent (non-sexual) offenses. It is based on a social problem-solving theoretical framework and is delivered according to cognitive-behavioral principles during 16 weeks of half-time participation. Clinicians selected for the program are screened for personal suitability. Notes