Which Correctional Interventions Reduce Offender ( Males) Recidivism

The goal of this post is to analyze some ways or systems that reduce offender recidivism. 

The definition of recidivism (for those of you that don't know) is a a "tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior; especially :  relapse into criminal behavior". 

Our system is currently failing at helping those individuals get the help necessary to deter them from future criminal activities.

"Rehabilitation has often been depicted as a failed enterprise that should be purged from the American correctional system or, at least, relegated to a secondary status (Logan and Gaes 1993). "

Many have argued that rehabilitation simply does not "work" but Logan and Gaes provide a factual analysis of a method that "does work" when treating inmates. The method is called "Cognitive behavioral" programs that deal with the specific need of the individual. These programs focus on behavioral aspects of the individual:

"In the case of offenders, existing cognitive distortions are thoughts and values that justify antisocial activities (e.g., aggression, stealing, substance abuse) and that denigrate conventional pro-social pursuits regarding education, work, and social relationships. Most offenders also have minimal cognitive skills enabling them to behave in a pro-social fashion. In
light of these deficits, effective cognitive-behavioral programs attempt to assist
offenders: (1) to define the problems that led them into conflict with authorities,(2) to select goals, (3) to generate new alternative pro-social solutions, and then (4) to implement these solutions."

Although the article focuses on inmates inmates in general, not  just males. I do believe I can connect the dots after reading all the other articles about males and crime. This topic has really opened up my eyes and helped me put the puzzle pieces together. I believe, after reading this article about the type of rehabilitation that does work,could work for males and their specific needs. Why? because this specific treatment is based on the actual person and designed to treat each patient/inmate according to their specific needs. This treatment helps inmates understand why this is wrong. In the article by Anderson and Umberson focuses on the excuses or justifications men make in their mind when they beat up their significant others. The men that they interviewed for their study "constructed the violence as a rational response to extreme provocation" (Anderson & Umberson, 362). This treatment helps them rationalize and tap into their cognitive side of the brain and shows them that it is actually wrong. 

"In general, behavioral interventions are effective in changing an array of human behavior.

With regard to crime, they are well-suited to altering the “criminogenic needs”—antisocial attitudes,

cognitions, personality orientations, and associations—that underlie recidivism" (Logan & Gaes, 145)

 

Based on their research and also depending on each individual this is a method that could help foster peace and deter inmates from going back.

 

Works Cited

Anderson, Kristin L., and Debra Umberson. "GENDERING VIOLENCE Masculinity and Power in Men's Accounts of Domestic Violence." Gender & Society 15.3 (2001): 358-380.

 

Cullen, Francis T., and Paul Gendreau. "Assessing correctional rehabilitation: Policy, practice, and prospects." Criminal justice 3.109-175 (2000).