A high risk recognition program for adolescents in conflict with the law.

Abstract

We describe a novel high risk recognition program aimed at reducing recidivism among the heterogeneous young offender population. The program is based on cognitivebehavioural relapse prevention programs for adult sexual offenders. Young offenders identify risk factors or "warning signs" for various forms of offending behaviour based on their analysis of past criminal acts. They then generate strategies for coping with future recurrence of these risk factors. We consider the potential utility and applicability of such an intervention and make recommendations for researching the technique.

Immediate antecedents to adolescents' offenses

“…© 1997 John Wiley & Sons. J Clin Psychol 53: 355-360, 1997. We have recently described a relapse prevention program for adolescent offenders (Howell & Enns, 1995). The program is based on cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention programs for adult sexual offenders (e.g., Pithers, Marques, Gibat, & Marlatt, 1983).…”

Addressing Common Risk and Protective Factors Can Prevent a Wide Range of Adolescent Risk Behaviors

“…As noted by Ellickson and colleagues [8] in this issue of the Journal, adolescent and young adult risk behaviors often co-occur, in part because substance use may be causally related to sexual risk behavior and criminality [9,10] and in part because all three types of behavior share a number of common risk and protective factors that may dispose youth toward risky or antisocial behavior [11]. It should be possible, then, to design programs that would address multiple adolescent risk behaviors simultaneously.…”

ADOLESCENT RISK. The psychological assessment and management of problem areas contributing to adolescent criminal behavior

“…This conclusion is supported by indicators that insight, or the acknowledgment of responsibility, appears to decrease the risk of re-offense (Groth, Hobson, Lucey, & St. Pierre, 1981;Smith & Monastersky, 1986). In addition, others have suggested that offenders who fail to take responsibility or who minimize the harmful effects of their behavior are at increased risk to re-offend (Howell & Enns, 1995).…”

“…Consequently, traditional therapies may not be as efficacious as more reality-based therapies such as behavior management (to include limits imposed by the courts), and highly structured skills training. Some clinicians have claimed success with cognitivebehavioral interventions for anger control and modifying behaviors (Dangel, Drescher, & Rasp, 1989;Guerra & Slaby, 1990;Golstein & Glick, 1994;Hains, 1989;Howell & Enns, 1995). These interventions often consist of identifying triggers to target behaviors, such as aggression, intervention via thought mediation, self-talk, and re-0 juvenile and Family Court journal * Winter I998 directed behavior.…”