This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (9) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Andrews, D. A. Articles by Dowden, C. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Andrews, D. A. Articles by Dowden, C. Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Risk Principle of Case Classification in Correctional Treatment

A Meta-Analytic Investigation

Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada

Craig Dowden

Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada

Recent meta-analyses have documented considerable evidence demonstrating that correctional treatment programs are indeed effective for reducing recidivism in offender populations. The effect of client risk, an issue that has received extensive coverage in the extant literature from an assessment perspective, has been relatively ignored in these efforts. The present study marks the first exhaustive meta-analytic investigation of the risk principle and its effects on correctional treatment program effectiveness. The results reveal moderate support for its utility, although the magnitude of the findings are affected by the reporting practices used in the primary studies. Finally, the evidence supporting the risk principle is much stronger for female offenders and young offenders and within programs that are deemed appropriate according to the principles of need and responsivity. It should be noted that justice interventions that did not include elements of human service (e.g., increased sanctions) yielded negative results regardless of level of client risk.

Key Words: risk principle • meta-analysis • what works • treatment

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				C. A. Saum and M. L. Hiller Should Violent Offenders Be Excluded From Drug Court Participation?: An Examination of the Recidivism of Violent and Nonviolent Drug Court Participants Criminal Justice Review, September 1, 2008; 33(3): 291 - 307. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J. Abracen, J. Looman, and C. M. Langton Treatment of Sexual Offenders With Psychopathic Traits: Recent Research Developments and Clinical Implications Trauma Violence Abuse, July 1, 2008; 9(3): 144 - 166. [Abstract] [PDF]

				E. J. Palmer, J. McGuire, R. M. Hatcher, J. C. Hounsome, C. A. L. Bilby, and C. R. Hollin The Importance of Appropriate Allocation to Offending Behavior Programs Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol, April 1, 2008; 52(2): 206 - 221. [Abstract] [PDF]

				C. R. Hollin, J. McGuire, J. C. Hounsome, R. M. Hatcher, C. A.L. Bilby, and E. J. Palmer Cognitive Skills Behavior Programs for Offenders in the Community: A Reconviction Analysis Criminal Justice and Behavior, March 1, 2008; 35(3): 269 - 283. [Abstract] [PDF]

				L. Brusman Lovins, C. T. Lowenkamp, E. J. Latessa, and P. Smith Application of the Risk Principle to Female Offenders Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, November 1, 2007; 23(4): 383 - 398. [Abstract] [PDF]

				L. R. Reitzel and J. L. Carbonell The Effectiveness of Sexual Offender Treatment for Juveniles as Measured by Recidivism: A Meta-analysis Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, October 1, 2006; 18(4): 401 - 421. [Abstract] [PDF]