What Works!
In a report commissioned and sponsored by the Canadian Government
to investigate the effectiveness of drug and alcohol treatments
that have been used (especially in the United States), it was stated
that behavioral and cognitive approaches are the treatment methods
most supported as effective by professional outcome evaluations
(Eliany & Rush, 1992). Effective therapeutic processes that systematically
alter how inmates make decisions - how they think show substantially
beneficial changes seen in recidivism reduction and other behaviors
(Gendreau & Platt, 1993; Schrink & Hamm, 1989). From: An overview
of treatment effectiveness: Research and clinical principles by
D.A. Andrews (1994), in: What Works: Bridging the Gap Between Research
and Correctional Practice. The American Probation and Parole Association,
reviewed results from thousands of controlled outcome studies and
that showed the following components necessary for effective treatment:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Programs
- Printed Program Materials
- Addresses Criminal Thinking & Needs
- Empirically Validated on Criminals
- Staff Is Specifically Trained In the Approach
- Staff is Enthusiastic& Understand Antisocial Personality Characteristics
- Problem Solving & Skill Building
- Structured Follow-ups Provided
Therefore, in order to effectively reduce the subsequent recidivism
rate and antisocial behaviors of participants, all offender programs
must include a systematic, cognitive behavioral therapeutic process
proven to reduce recidivism in drug and alcohol offenders.
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