What Works With Black and Minority Ethnic Offenders: Solutions in Search of a Problem? (From Race and Probation, P 164-180, 2006, Sam Lewis, Peter Raynor, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-213631)

• NCJ Number: 213640
• Author(s): Rachel K. Walmsley; Kate Stephens
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Willan Publishing
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This chapter reviews how the question, "What works with Black and minority ethnic (BME) offenders?" has been interpreted in recent British Home Office and other research; the questions that remain are discussed.

Abstract

There is no evidence that BME offenders have different criminogenic needs than White offenders, and there is limited support for the benefits of having treatment groups that contain only minority ethnic offenders. Overall, conclusive evidence is lacking regarding differences between BME offenders and White offenders and between various types of BME offenders. Racial discrimination is a distinctive experience within communities and in the criminal justice system; however, it is unclear as to how it is related to criminal behavior and to the effectiveness of distinctive interventions for BME offenders. The issues discussed are whether BME offenders benefit from special interventions; whether they benefit from separately delivered treatment; whether they benefit from being tutored by BME correctional staff; whether they have criminogenic needs different from other offenders; and whether compliance with accredited programs is enhanced by special or separately provided interventions for BME offenders. Although some research has suggested that BME offenders have different motives for offending compared to White offenders, flawed evaluation methodologies have made it impossible to draw any general conclusions about whether special interventions for BME offenders have been effective in reducing reoffending. Although research has produced arguments both for and against conducting separate treatment groups for BME offenders, there is little empirical evidence that this is the most effective approach. Also, there is no strong evidence that better outcomes have been achieved if BME offenders are tutored by staff of the same ethnicity. There is a need for quality, consistent, and complete management information that can indicate where additional work with various types of offenders is required. 17 references