Citation

McGuire J, Hatcher R. Crim. Justice Behav. 2001; 28(5): 564-587.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/009385480102800502

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Large-scale reviews of research on offender treatment have given clear indications that it is possible to reduce offender recidivism. Recently, a consensus has emerged concerning some of the features more likely to contribute to positive effects in this regard. One important consideration is that of focusing on criminogenic needs and employing methods designed to help offenders acquire cognitive problem-solving skills. In this article, a specially prepared group program is described, drawing on this research. The program has been run in probation service settings in the United Kingdom. In this preliminary report, short-term outcomes on intermediate treatment targets are presented for a sample of offenders (n = 220) who completed the program. Significant pretest to posttest changes were found on variables associated with criminogenic attitudes. The results demonstrate the viability of providing a structured group program for delivery on a significant scale within community-based correctional services.

Language: en