The Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Offenders

Abstract

The treatment literature on offender rehabilitation is reviewed with the purpose of deriving further direction for researchers and clinicians in the field of correctional psychology. After addressing the measurement of recidivism and other indicators of effectiveness, this empirically guided article reviews individual studies and meta-analyses on effectiveness of psychosocial correctional treatment for adult offenders and specialized treatment for substance abuse offenders and sexual offenders. A foundation in the general principles of offender intervention is established; principles such as risk, need, and responsivity are upheld; and common themes including the use of cognitive-behavioral interventions and the importance of treatment integrity emerge. However, questions move beyond "what works" to detailed queries about the nuances of effective service delivery, including client motivation. Well-controlled clinical studies and detailed process evaluations are still required. Other new directions include the application of positive psychology to offender treatment and the improvement of conditions under which community reentry is more likely to succeed. Directions for further research on correctional treatment are suggested.

Posttraumatic Growth in Sex Offenders

“…The purpose of offender therapy has slowly been shifting from solely risk management to also supporting offenders to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life (Wormith et al, 2007). This gradual change has been induced by newer theoretical visions of rehabilitation such as the Good Lives Model, positive criminology, and humanistic approaches toward crime (Gunst, 2012; Polizzi, Braswell, & Draper, 2014; Ronel & Elisha, 2011; Ward & Brown, 2004).…”

Forensic psychology and correctional psychology: Distinct but related subfields of psychological science and practice.

“…Correctional psychology is a subfield of psychology in which basic and applied psychological science or scientifically-oriented professional practice is applied to the justice system to inform the classification, treatment, and management of offenders to reduce risk and improve public safety (Ax, Fagan, Magaletta, Nussbaum, & White, 2007;Magaletta, Butterfield, & Patry, 2016;Magaletta, Patry, Dietz, & Ax, 2007;Wormith et al, 2007). Any type of psychologist (e.g., clinical, counseling, developmental, social, cognitive, community) can engage in correctional psychology by applying the scientific, technical, or specialized knowledge of psychology to reduce offender risk and improve public safety.…”

Boston Offender Needs Delivery Project

“…Recidivism refers to reentry into the criminal justice system following release (Wormith et al, 2007). A recent report focused on recidivism in Massachusetts reveal that two thirds of defendants sent to state or county jail and prison facilities each year had previously been incarcerated (Jones & Forman, 2016).…”

“…Rehabilitation approaches can occur within prison or after release from prison and include correctional, therapeutic, and cognitive-behavioral approaches, among others (Wormith et al, 2007). These services can even extend to include general health treatment, mental health treatment, faith-related programs, and programs specific to culture (Wormith et al, 2007). Treatment initiatives targeted toward drug abuse are most common due to the high prevalence of drug use among offenders.…”

“…In one randomly assigned quasi-experimental study of 2,315 federal inmates, drug treatment was found to have statistically significant reductions in recidivism and drug use for inmates (Rhodes et al, 2001;Seiter & Kadela, 2003). Aftercare treatment has been noted as critical in the transition between prison and the community for inmates (Wormith et al, 2007). Research further suggests that the longevity of positive outcomes increases when aftercare treatment programs are combined to in-prison program (Knight, Simpson, & Hiller, 1999;Martin, Butzin, Saum, & Inciardi, 1999;Pelissier et al, 2000;Wexler, Melnick, Lowe, & Peters, 1999;Wormith et al, 2007).…”