Approaching Correctional Treatment from a Programmatic Standpoint: Risk-Need-Responsivity and Beyond

Abstract

Understanding best practices in correctional psychology is imperative, as successful programming has significant implications for the individual offender, the criminal justice system as a whole, and the broader community. Thus far, previous chapters have outlined best practices in the assessment and treatment of various subpopula- tions of offenders ranging from those with severe mental illnesses to arguably the most hardened type of criminal—those with psychopathic personality traits. It is clear that competent correctional psychologists must arm themselves with a sub- stantial clinical toolbox if they hope to make an impact in their work with the diverse range of offenders who enter into their facilities on a day to day basis.