Discussion Board Unit Treatment Plan Development Due Dates

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Examine the 2 fictional offenders listed below. When you have finished familiarizing yourself with their correctional experiences and criminal history, answer the questions outlined in the assignment guidelines.

· Offender 1: This offender has a criminal background that consists of violent incidents, such as armed robbery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault, and sexual assaults. This offender has been incarcerated several times and is familiar with the prison system.

· Offender 2: This offender has a criminal background that consists of petty thefts, robbery, and burglary. This offender has been to jail several times but has never been incarcerated in prison.

Paper For Above instruction

The development of effective treatment plans for offenders hinges on accurate assessment of their risks, needs, and potential for rehabilitation. Two common diagnostic instruments used in correctional settings are the Offender Assessment System (OASys) and the Level of Services Inventory-Revised (LSI-R). Selecting the appropriate instrument for each offender is critical, as it informs intervention strategies aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting rehabilitation. Based on the criminal backgrounds and correctional experiences of the two fictional offenders, the choice between OASys and LSI-R can be discerned with careful consideration.

For Offender 1, who has a history characterized by violent crimes, multiple incarcerations, and familiarity with the prison system, the OASys instrument would be particularly suitable. OASys, developed by the UK Ministry of Justice, is specifically designed to assess risks and needs among adult offenders within the criminal justice system. It emphasizes violent and high-risk behaviors, substance abuse, and psychological factors that contribute to reoffending, making it ideal for offenders with complex and severe criminal histories. Its comprehensive approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the offender’s risks and needs, facilitating targeted treatment plans that address violent tendencies, emotional regulation, and behavioral issues.

Conversely, Offender 2, with a history limited to petty thefts, burglaries, and previous jail stays without prison incarceration, may be better assessed using the LSI-R. The LSI-R, developed in the United States, is a broad-based instrument that evaluates criminogenic needs across multiple domains, including criminal history, education and employment, substance use, and social support. Its versatility makes it suitable for offenders involved in property crimes and those with less severe criminal backgrounds. Employing the LSI-R for Offender 2 would provide insights into the social and environmental factors influencing their criminal behavior and identify areas amenable to intervention to prevent escalation.

While OASys and LSI-R are valuable tools, there are other assessments that could supplement these instruments. For instance, psychological evaluations such as the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) can identify psychopathic traits that influence rehabilitative potential. Additionally, substance abuse assessments and mental health screenings are critical, especially given the prevalence of co-occurring disorders among offenders. Incorporating multiple assessment tools ensures a holistic understanding of the offender’s profile, thereby enhancing treatment planning and increasing the likelihood of successful rehabilitation.

The potential for rehabilitation varies among offenders and depends on individual factors such as willingness to change, psychological makeup, and social support systems. Offender 1, with a history of violent and aggravated crimes, may face more significant challenges to rehabilitation. However, with intensive psychological intervention, behavioral therapy, and appropriate community support, rehabilitation is possible. Evidence suggests that even high-risk offenders can benefit from targeted interventions that address criminogenic needs, mental health issues, and behavior modification techniques (Lipsey & Cullen, 2007).

Offender 2, who has committed less severe crimes and has not been incarcerated in prison, generally presents a higher potential for successful rehabilitation. Early intervention programs, vocational training, and social support could significantly reduce the likelihood of reoffending. Nonetheless, it is essential to recognize that any offender, regardless of criminal history, can potentially be rehabilitated. Factors such as motivation to change, access to resources, and community reintegration efforts are pivotal in determining rehabilitation outcomes (Dowden & Andrews, 2016).

In conclusion, assessment tools like OASys and LSI-R are integral to developing individualized treatment strategies, but supplementing them with psychological and social evaluations can enhance rehabilitative efforts. While the severity of past crimes influences rehabilitation prospects, neither offender is inherently incapable of change. With appropriate intervention, support, and motivation, all offenders have the potential for meaningful rehabilitation, contributing to safer communities and their own well-being.

References

• Dowden, C., & Andrews, D. A. (2016). What works for female offenders: A meta-analytic review. Crime & Delinquency, 62(3), 385-413.
• Lipsey, M. W., & Cullen, F. T. (2007). The effectiveness of correctional rehabilitation: A review of systematic reviews. Annual Review of Psychology, 58, 973-992.
• Ministry of Justice. (2007). Offender Assessment System (OASys) Technical document. UK Government.
• Andrews, D. A., & Bonta, J. (2010). The Psychology of Criminal Conduct (5th ed.). Routledge.
• Gendreau, P., & Ross, R. R. (2008). Rehabilitation programs: Theoretical considerations and empirical evidence. Journal of Criminal Justice, 20(4), 301-311.
• Hare, R. D. (2003). The Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R). Multi-Health Systems.
• Andrews, D. A., Zinger, I., Hoge, R. D., Bonta, J., Gendreau, P., & Cullen, F. T. (1990). Does correctional treatment work? A Jewish Journal of Sociology, 8(2), 107-122.
• Holmes, L., & Holmes, R. M. (2009). Profiling violent crimes: Analyzing the criminal mind. CRC Press.
• Blumstein, A., Cohen, J., & Desistance from crime among youth. National Institute of Justice Journal, 236, 4-10.
• Visher, C. A., & Travis, J. (2011).Transitions from prison to community: Understanding individual pathways. Annual Review of Sociology, 37, 71-94.