Offending is often attributed to dysfunctional behaviour, such as inability to control anger, poor cognitive functioning, or substance abuse.
Treatment programmes offer offenders the opportunity to remedy these behaviours, in the hope that they will cease offending.
Cognitive skills programmes are a form of specialised CBT. As with all forms of CBT, it aims to improve cognitive functioning. Cognitive skills programmes work on the basis that if you change the cognitive patterns of criminals, then they will change their behaviour. Two forms of CBT used specifically with offenders are:
1. Reasoning and Rehabilitation therapy targets moral development, encourages creative thinking, and teaches offenders to take a social perspective on life.
2. Enhanced Thinking Skills aims to boost pro-social behaviour by working on interpersonal skills and self-control.
Study: Friendship et al conducted a field experiment into the effectiveness of CBT in reducing recidivism. 670 male offenders took part in Reasoning and Rehabilitation therapy or ETS, and their re conviction rates were compared to 1801 offenders who'd not been part of a cognitive skills programme. Re-conviction rates were 14% lower in the therapy group, and the researchers projected that as a result of CBT, 21000 crimes were prevented.
Showing posts with label therapy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label therapy. Show all posts
Sunday, 19 May 2013
Probation
Probation refers to the release of an offender subject to good behaviour and adherence to a community sentence.
There are four types of community sentence:
1. Rehabilitation orders (e.g. therapy)
2. Punishment orders (e.g. public service)
3. Combined orders (i.e.e both punishment and rehabilitation)
4. Drug testing and treatment orders
90% of those on probation are male, and the majority are either young, first-time offenders, or mature offenders of minor crimes.
Behaviour is closely monitored whilst on probation, and non-adherence is taken very seriously, especially with regard to staying out of trouble with the law, and going to every appointment with a probation officer.
Study: Mair and May (1997) looked at 3299 offenders chosen at random from 22 probation offices, though there was a 40% drop out rate with a disproportionate number from London. The study used an interview to investigate the effectiveness of probation, which consisted of mainly closed questions such as Likert scales and multiple choice. 88% found probation to be useful, however only 37% said it would stop them re-offending. Over one third went on to re-offend. Thus, probation may be most effective when combined with therapies or employment schemes.
There are four types of community sentence:
1. Rehabilitation orders (e.g. therapy)
2. Punishment orders (e.g. public service)
3. Combined orders (i.e.e both punishment and rehabilitation)
4. Drug testing and treatment orders
90% of those on probation are male, and the majority are either young, first-time offenders, or mature offenders of minor crimes.
Behaviour is closely monitored whilst on probation, and non-adherence is taken very seriously, especially with regard to staying out of trouble with the law, and going to every appointment with a probation officer.
Study: Mair and May (1997) looked at 3299 offenders chosen at random from 22 probation offices, though there was a 40% drop out rate with a disproportionate number from London. The study used an interview to investigate the effectiveness of probation, which consisted of mainly closed questions such as Likert scales and multiple choice. 88% found probation to be useful, however only 37% said it would stop them re-offending. Over one third went on to re-offend. Thus, probation may be most effective when combined with therapies or employment schemes.
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