NCJ Number
145680
Date Published
Unknown
Length
50 pages
Annotation
Based on the hypothesis that the delivery of appropriate correctional services could reduce recidivism, the authors analyzed 89 studies of juvenile and adult correctional treatment.
Abstract
The major variables included association between treatment and recidivism, setting (nonsystem diversion, system diversion, probation/parole/community corrections, and institutional/residential corrections). Four levels of treatment were identified: criminal sanctions, inappropriate correctional service, unspecified correctional service, and appropriate correctional service. Results of the meta-analysis showed that the major source of variation in effects on recidivism was the extent to which appropriate services were provided, based on the principles of risk, need, and responsivity. Appropriate correctional services worked better than criminal sanctions devoid of rehabilitative service and better than services less consistent with a priori principles of effective rehabilitation. Furthermore, the effects of inappropriate service seemed to be particularly negative in residential settings, while the positive effects of appropriate service were attenuated. 3 tables, 14 notes, 6 references, and 1 appendix