Self-Help Programs: An In-Effective Analysis

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Self-help programs like the 12-step programs or the Narcotics Anonymous “NA” and/or Alcohol Anonymous “AA” are programs that have little to no effect of the recidivism rate of parolees. These types of programs give the illusion that the parolee has accomplished a milestone, when in fact they fail to live up to the outlooks of the parolee in the program. These types of false-positive programs can give the appearance that the parolee can conquer a high-risk situation. These types of programs, when being conducted inside of a prison “show little if any positive effects with regards to recidivism” (Latessa, 2015, p. 134). Whether it is on the inside of a prison or being conducted in a different location, the gratification from these kinds of programs …show more content…
These are just a few characteristics that the parolee display that make these programs in-effective. The PO must also share some part of these programs being in-effective. Often times the PO serve as a social caseworker as well as a law enforcement officer, they lack the training, and overworked coupled with low wages and under-staffed are all reasons that can have a negative effect on these programs. There is no magic bullet nor are these programs a one-size fit all type of programs that are effective in lowering the recidivism …show more content…
By inserting a parolee into a program that would increase the prosocial activities or strengthening ones problem-solving techniques, a parolee can lower his risk factor by strengthen these “needs” of his/her characteristics. The “need is an important principle when determining whether or not a prisoner can get parole. One need to be aware of the areas that are of low regards when attempting to pair the parolee with the type of program that would best fulfil the obligation of the parolee. When paired with the best program, it gives the parolee a better chance of success “programs that target at least four to six more criminogenic needs produce a 31 percent reduction in recidivism” (Latessa, 2015, pp.

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