The Historical Roots, Current Status, and Future Applications of the Risk-Need-Responsivity Model (RNR)

Abstract

The risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model is arguably the most dominant paradigm of offender programming and treatment in the field of corrections today. It is practiced by clinicians and frontline workers, not only in their intervention but in their offender assessments as well. It guides correctional policy makers and senior correctional officials. It is applicable to all demographics within the offender population, including age, race, gender, and ethnicity. Its reach has been pervasive and worldwide. It had been the subject of countless research studies and many meta- analyses, some of which contributed to its development and others to its ongoing validation.