NCJ Number
162010
Journal
Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Review Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (First Quarter 1996) Pages: 1-7
Date Published
1996
Length
7 pages
Annotation
After describing the components of the Moral Reconation Therapy (MRTtm), this article summarizes the evaluation results from various sources.
Abstract
MRTtm is a cognitive-behavioral method typically performed in groups of 10-15 offenders. Participants usually attend two weekly meetings that range from 1 to 2 hours per meeting. The focus of group meetings is the completion of MRT's objectively defined step exercises and tasks. Trained facilitators conduct the groups. Each participant is supplied with an MRTtm workbook that contains all of the exercises and tasks needed to complete the program. Offenders can enter ongoing groups and leave at any time and work at their own pace. Offenders can begin MRTtm in a prison setting, continue their participation when transferred to a lower level of security or into a community corrections facility, and complete participation while on parole. More than 10 years of data and experience have been collected on MRTtm. Data from all sources show consistency and significant beneficial effects from use of the method. Offenders in all levels appear able to participate in MRTtm, and staff trained in the method show enhanced effectiveness and enthusiasm. MRTtm apparently reduces violations and increases success with probationers and parolees. In jails, community corrections, halfway houses, and prisons, MRTtm results in significantly lowered misconducts (ranging from 40 percent to 55 percent less misconducts) and in significantly lower reincarcerations years after treatment, ranging in reincarceration rates 60 percent to 25 percent lower. 2 figures and 45 references