Examining the Contribution of Responsivity Factors to the Dynamic Risk Assessment for Offender Re-entry

Abstract

The risk-need-responsivity model has been shown to be an effective method for reducing recidivism rates (Andrews & Bonta, 2010). While the risk and need principles have garnered much attention in previous research, responsivity factors are not as well understood, especially when considering specific responsivity factors. The current study examined the use of three specific responsivity factors-trauma, mental health, and selfefficacy in conjunction with the Dynamic Risk Assessment for Offender Re-entry (DRAOR) in predicting recidivism and informing case planning and management. Archival data were used from the Iowa Department of Corrections database to create a sample of male justice-involved persons (N = 3,703) who had been assessed within the first year of their supervision start date. Linear regressions revealed relationships between all three responsivity factors and both total DRAOR scores and items of interest. Logistic regressions revealed relationships between all three responsivity factors and recidivism. However, only trauma and self-efficacy incrementally predicted recidivism when added to the DRAOR. The overall best model for predicting recidivism included total DRAOR scores, trauma, and self-efficacy. When considering all relationships examined, the current study demonstrates the usefulness of these three items in case management and planning as well as the importance of considering specific responsivity factors and attending to needs in order to assist justice-involved persons in achieving better outcomes.

Classifying Justice-Involved Males in Iowa: A Latent Class Analysis with the Dynamic Risk Assessment for Offender Re-Entry (DRAOR)

“…Therefore, future research should consider incorporating gender-responsive items into the analysis to determine how they impact the formation of the resultant classes. Notably, the Iowa Department of Corrections has recently implemented trauma, mental health, and self-efficacy as supplemental items to the DRAOR for case planning purposes (Corno, 2020). The inclusion of these supplemental items was based on Trauma Informed Correctional Care (TICC) and gender responsivity research (Corno, 2020).…”

“…Notably, the Iowa Department of Corrections has recently implemented trauma, mental health, and self-efficacy as supplemental items to the DRAOR for case planning purposes (Corno, 2020). The inclusion of these supplemental items was based on Trauma Informed Correctional Care (TICC) and gender responsivity research (Corno, 2020). Each supplemental item is scored on a three-point scale (0-2), that follows the same scoring guide as the DRAOR items (i.e., 0 = no problem, 1 = slight problem, 2 = definite problem).…”