Correctional Counseling Inc.
Dedicated to Excellence

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.