What Works in Reducing Criminality (From Reducing Criminality--Partnerships and Best Practices, P 1-7, 2000, Adam Graycar, ed. -- See NCJ-186333)

• NCJ Number: 186346
• Author(s): James McGuire
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This paper reviews evidence that intervention programs can reduce rates of offender recidivism.

Abstract

The paper claims that programs and services that work best in reducing recidivism possess the following features: (1) Theoretical soundness: based on an explicit and well-articulated model of the causes of crime, drawn from an empirically sound data base in psychology, criminology, and allied social sciences; (2) Risk assessment: with offenders assigned to different levels of supervision in accordance with this information; (3) Criminogenic needs: dynamic risk factors known to be linked to offending and which change over time; (4) Responsivity: including willingness to adapt services to individual differences in this respect; (5) Structure: clear objectives and skilled engagement by staff in tasks relevant to individual offenders’ needs; (6) Methods: largest and most consistent effects are obtained from application of a cognitive-behavioral approach; and (7) Program integrity: adherence by trained staff to appointed objectives and selected methods of intervention. References