The RNR model was first disseminated in 1990, over the following 20 years, the Risk Need and Responsivity Principles became the core of the theoretical framework used in correctional systems around the world. It proposes that misconceptions, unrealistic and mistranslations of the model into practice are contributing to concerns about its validity and utility and stifling needed improvement in the development in certain areas such as Female offending both treatment resources, and of RNR interventions. Founded on three core principles of offender classification—Risk, Need and Responsivity—today the RNR model is one of a few models used however, the RNR model remains an important empirically validated guide for criminal justice interventions
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However, evidence suggests that, even though the integrity of adherence to RNR principles is critical to reducing recidivism (Lowenkamp, Latessa, & Smith, 2006), significant barriers to accurately implementing those principles may exist (Reisig, Holtfreter & Morash, 2006). Despite these barriers, the Council of State Governments Justice Center (2013) has described the RNR model as the most effective approach to criminal justice treatment. Dowden and Andrews (1999) performed a meta-analysis of 25 studies of treatment for female offenders and found that the delivery of any treatment programming yielded a significantly stronger effect than criminal sanctions alone. They also found that treatment services adhering to all of the RNR principles were related to the greatest reductions in recidivism, while treatment rated as inappropriate had the weakest effects. Effect sizes were also larger when needs related to associates and peers, attitudes, self-control, and family and family process were targeted than when they were not. Thus, this meta-analysis suggests that the majority of criminogenic needs identified for men are also applicable for female offenders. Dowden and Andrews also found that targeting vague personal/ emotional issues and other non-RNR based treatment targets were associated with no reduction in recidivism. In fact, non-criminogenically focused family interventions were associated with an increase in recidivism. approaches, delivered within the RNR framework, are effective in reducing recidivism and these results apply to general recidivism, violent recidivism, and sexual recidivism, as well as to female offenders (Looman & Abracen, 2013). It is clear that the causes of criminal behavior are complex and not simply a matter of free will—an assumption that underlies more punitive strategies. Moreover, the evidence that CBT produces biological changes not
However, evidence suggests that, even though the integrity of adherence to RNR principles is critical to reducing recidivism (Lowenkamp, Latessa, & Smith, 2006), significant barriers to accurately implementing those principles may exist (Reisig, Holtfreter & Morash, 2006). Despite these barriers, the Council of State Governments Justice Center (2013) has described the RNR model as the most effective approach to criminal justice treatment. Dowden and Andrews (1999) performed a meta-analysis of 25 studies of treatment for female offenders and found that the delivery of any treatment programming yielded a significantly stronger effect than criminal sanctions alone. They also found that treatment services adhering to all of the RNR principles were related to the greatest reductions in recidivism, while treatment rated as inappropriate had the weakest effects. Effect sizes were also larger when needs related to associates and peers, attitudes, self-control, and family and family process were targeted than when they were not. Thus, this meta-analysis suggests that the majority of criminogenic needs identified for men are also applicable for female offenders. Dowden and Andrews also found that targeting vague personal/ emotional issues and other non-RNR based treatment targets were associated with no reduction in recidivism. In fact, non-criminogenically focused family interventions were associated with an increase in recidivism. approaches, delivered within the RNR framework, are effective in reducing recidivism and these results apply to general recidivism, violent recidivism, and sexual recidivism, as well as to female offenders (Looman & Abracen, 2013). It is clear that the causes of criminal behavior are complex and not simply a matter of free will—an assumption that underlies more punitive strategies. Moreover, the evidence that CBT produces biological changes not