NCJ Number
223585
Journal
Journal of Experimental Criminology Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2008 Pages: 21-40
Date Published
March 2008
Length
20 pages
Annotation
The principal focus of this paper is the hypothesis of an association between participation in structured, cognitive-behavioral treatment programs and recidivism outcomes over a 17-month followup period.
Abstract
Findings indicate no significant overall difference in reconviction outcomes between experimental and comparison samples (those assigned or not assigned to programs). Also, however, there was an association between completion of the programs and reduction in reconvictions, an effect that held, once the possibility of selection bias had been taken into account. Further research is recommended to test the validity of the interpretation of the findings as treatment effects. The evidence base for the claim that criminal recidivism can be reduced by interventions focused at the “tertiary” levels has been expanding gradually. This paper reports the outcome of a 17-month followup of structured, community-based, offense-focused, intervention programs designed to reduce rates of reconviction among adjudicated offenders under probation supervision. Three separate programs were examined, all derived from a cognitive social learning model of risk factors from repeated involvement in crime. Tables, references