Looking back just over two decades, criminal justice suffered from a lack of proven methods for reducing recidivism for formerly incarcerated individuals (Andrews & Bonta, 2003). Today, it is almost unimaginable that the field ever operated without practice methods that were studied and empirically validated through rigorous science. Science-based methods for offender work have been propelled by multiple streams of interest, united by evidence-based practices (EBP). This article examines relational and technical factors examined in prior research linked to reducing recidivism and improving outcomes in corrections. Evidence over Ideology Corrections has taken a positive turn. … [Read more...] about Adding Relational to Technical Factors for Reducing Recidivism: Following the Research to Improve Outcomes (Part 1)
Archives for October 2021
New Research Examines the Relationship Between Solitary Confinement and Mental Illness
Solitary confinement has long been an area of controversy within the context of criminal justice and corrections. Those against the practice have questioned whether it is ethical due to the potential psychological impact it can have on incarcerated individuals. For incarcerated persons with mental illness (IPMI), this impact can be even greater; particularly if IPMI are more likely to receive solitary confinement. This article summarizes a recent study, originally published in Justice Quarterly, conducted by researchers at Florida State University that examines the relationship between solitary confinement and mental illness to determine if IPMI have an increased likelihood of being sent to … [Read more...] about New Research Examines the Relationship Between Solitary Confinement and Mental Illness
The Relationship Between Justice System Involvement and the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth
It is well established throughout the literature that there is a relationship between poor mental health and engagement with the justice system. However, narrow Western definitions of mental health do not align with Aboriginal perspectives of health and wellbeing which endorse a more holistic approach to their conceptualisation. Social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) is a more culturally appropriate term that better describes Aboriginal perspectives of health and connectedness. SEWB can be thought of as the individual's and the collective’s connection to body, mind, land, family, culture, and spirituality. Thus, the study discussed in this article aims to determine the relationship between … [Read more...] about The Relationship Between Justice System Involvement and the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth
Capturing Change: Validation of the Client Change Scale with the Correctional Service of Canada Community—A M.A. Thesis Summary
Consistent with the crime-desistance literature findings that people change and that a goal of the criminal justice system is rehabilitation, it would seem imperative that a reliable and accurate measure of such change be available. However, there are currently very few measures that accurately measure justice-involved person change in correctional settings (Serin et al., 2013). For this reason, the purpose of this research was to validate a new measure of change, known as the Client Change Scale (CCS; Serin & Lloyd, 2018), which is a risk-relevant, desistance-oriented measure of change based on the Transition Model of Offender Change (Serin & Lloyd, 2009). Client Change Scale … [Read more...] about Capturing Change: Validation of the Client Change Scale with the Correctional Service of Canada Community—A M.A. Thesis Summary
IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Sept/Oct 2021
We've compiled top highlights from recent news, research, and resources across the world for our latest IACFP International News summary. Our topics for September and October include IACFP updates, recent research and practice highlights, policy updates, and upcoming conferences. 1. IACFP Updates IACFP Community Corrections Project UpdateThe IACFP has initiated a project to advance research on how community corrections agencies in countries throughout the world provide programs and services to individuals experiencing mental health challenges (including serious mental illness). The purpose of the project is to document how programs and services contribute to client well-being, … [Read more...] about IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Sept/Oct 2021