Overview
Chapter 11 showed that small-scale, demonstration projects that follow the RNR principles are associated with significant reductions in recidivism. On average, reductions of 30 percentage points or more can be found (r = 0.34). When moving to large-scale “real-world” operations, with full adherence to RNR, an r of 0.15 is found. Yet, a mean effect of 0.15 looks very good compared to the increased crime associated with real-world programs that show no adherence to RNR (−0.02). The evidence reviewed in this chapter makes it clear the treatment can work under real-world conditions.
The challenges of implementing RNR-based treatment are reviewed and solutions are recommended. An illustration of a successful implementation of RNR programming in the real-world is presented. The Strategic Training Initiative in Community Supervision (STICS) translates the RNR principles into a training program for probation officers. The research demonstrates that RNR-based training leads to appropriate changes in officer behaviors and reductions in client recidivism.
Technical Notes
Videos
Applying the RNR Model to Community Supervision:
Part 1: The Need for More Effective Community Supervision
In this section, James Bonta uses his meta-analytic findings to answer the question ‘does community supervision work?’.
The full version of this video can be found on the Videos page of this website.
Discussion questions:
- What are some of the barriers faced by probation officers when it comes to following the RNR principles in their everyday work?
- What are some of the changes that could be made to encourage adherence to RNR?
Applying the RNR Model to Community Supervision:
Part 2: A Sample of STICS Training Modules
This section explores the initial development of the STICS training programme.
The full version of this video can be found on the Videos page of this website.
Applying the RNR Model to Community Supervision:
Part 3: Large Scale Implementation of STICS
In this final section of the webinar, James Bonta uses his STICS study in British Columbia to illustrate some of the challenges and consequences of implementing STICS on a large scale.
The full version of this video can be found on the Videos page of this website.
Discussion questions:
- What lessons can be learned from the rollout of STICS in British Columbia?
- What is the future of STICS?
STICS in Practice
Guy Bourgon, Ph.D. (University of Ottawa) is a clinical psychologist specializing in correctional and criminal justice psychology. Dr. Bourgon has work for over 30 years in the field; inside the walls of correctional facilities and in the community with people on pre-trial supervision, probation, and parole. He has extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of justice-involved clientele including adults and adolescents. During his career, he has designed and conducted numerous research studies and evaluations of correctional policies and practices. Areas include risk assessment tools and practices, policies for custodial and community treatment programs as well as community supervision, case management, and change agent supervision. He is a co-author of STICS (Strategic Training Initiative in Community Supervision), an empirically supported model of community supervision that reduces recidivism. Internationally recognized and well published, Dr. Bourgon is dedicated to the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based services. He has extensive experience in the training and supervision of correctional professionals and youth workers having worked collaboratively with the numerous agencies in Canada, the US, and internationally. He is presently active in private practice providing assessments and psychological services to adults and adolescents as well as consulting and training to professionals in corrections. A dynamic clinician and presenter, he is recognized for translating research evidence into useful and practical concepts, skills, and intervention techniques that promote client engagement and facilitate change helping transfer “What Works” to everyday practice.
These four videos demonstrate STICS in practice.
Melissa Video 1: Check In
Melissa Video 2: Review
Melissa Video 3: Intervention
Melissa Video 4: Round up
Worth Remembering
- In the domains of both effective treatment and valid assessment, having an evaluator who was involved in the design of the treatment (or the construction of the assessment instruments) was associated with favorable conclusions. There are four interpretations to this effect. They are: “cynical” (experimenter bias); “smart” (programs or instruments); “fidelity” (treatment and/or assessment implemented with integrity); and “combination of the first three.” Meta-analyses in the treatment domain support the combination interpretation.
- Consideration of the involved evaluator effect has led to the distinction between short-term tightly controlled demonstration projects and routine programming (sometimes called “regular” programming or “real-world” programming). A huge challenge is to help make routine programming more like demonstration projects on the dimensions of “smart” and “fidelity.” Demanding exquisitely clear reporting on methodological and operational aspects of research may additionally reduce “bias.”
- Three concrete ways of improving routine programming are: (1) RNR-based structured assessments of offenders; (2) RNR-based structured assessments of ongoing programming, with feedback on level of RNR adherence; and (3) RNR-based training and supervision of service providers (and their managers).
Quiz
Further Reading
Bourgon, G., Chadwick, N., & Rugge, T. (2020). Beyond core correctional practice: Facilitating change through the Strategic Training Initiative in Community Supervision. In J. S. Wormith, L. A. Craig, & T. Hogue (Eds.), What works in violence risk management: Theory, research, and practice (pp. 505-525). New York: Wiley.
Goggin, C., & Gendreau, P. (2006). The implementation and maintenance of quality services in offender rehabilitation programs. In C. R. Hollin & E. J. Palmer (Eds.), Offending behaviour programs: Development, application, and controversies (pp. 247–268) Chichester, England: Wiley.
Lowenkamp, C. T., Latessa, E. J., & Smith, P. (2006). Does correctional program quality really matter? The impact of adhering to the principles of effective interventions. Criminology & Public Policy, 5, 575–594.
Tafrate, R. C., & Mitchell, D. (Eds.) (2014). Forensic CBT: A Handbook for Clinical Practice. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons.
Tafrate, R. C., Mitchell, D., & Simourd, D. J. (2018). CBT with justice-involved clients: Interventions for antisocial and self-destructive behaviors. New York: Guilford Publications.