This is a protocol for a systematic review of the effects of music therapy on offenders. Based on randomised controlled trials, the review aims to assess the effectiveness of music therapy on adolescent and adult offenders in custodial institutions including forensic psychiatric hospitals, and offenders or probationers in the community. The outcomes to be evaluated include alleviated symptoms of mental illness, psychosocial competencies and reduced recidivism.Note: This protocol was developed with and for the Cochrane Collaboration in 2012-2013, but was not published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Co-author H.L. died in 2014 and the remaining authors would like to acknowledge her contribution. She did approve the current version of the text in 2013.

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