NCJ Number
168090
Date Published
1997
Length
77 pages
Annotation
This review examines the evidence on the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral approaches with offenders and draws lessons from the literature about the successful delivery and management of such programs.
Abstract
The review shows the effectiveness of interventions with offenders varies significantly according to the type of approach adopted. Programs that seek to modify offender thinking and behavior patterns are generally more successful than techniques such as group and individual counseling and nondirective therapy. The use of cognitive-behavioral methods in programs that also include training in social skills shows the most positive results with both juvenile and adult offenders. In addition, research indicates the impact of cognitive-behavioral methods of working with offenders can be enhanced by targeting factors that contribute to offending behavior, using participatory problem- solving techniques, matching the intensity and duration of intervention to the likely future risk of offending, and keeping program goals and methods constant over time. Implications of changing offender attitudes and behavior for policy, practice, and future research are discussed. A survey of probation programs in Great Britain is presented to demonstrate the influence of cognitive-behavioral approaches on teaching offenders how to analyze and modify their thinking. References and tables