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"Criminogenic needs" is a phrase that has been used in reference to adult offender behavioral/cognitive intervention that is aimed at reducing recidivism. Criminogenic needs factors, such as degree of substance (alcohol and/or drugs) abuse and criminal thinking, are amenable to change. Behavioral and cognitive change are instrumental in rehabilitation and recidivism reduction. Programs that incorporate cognitive/behavioral intervention reduce recidivism by an average of 15% (Andrews, et al., 1989). Certain programs for high-risk offenders reduced recidivism by as much as 25% (Andrews & Bonta, 1994). Moreover, when offenders are properly targeted and matched to the appropriate program, recidivism is reduced by an average of 25% to 50% (Carey, 1997). It is clear that intervention programs that involve criminogenic needs, such as substance abuse counseling, offer long-term solutions to prison crowding and recidivism.

Risk and needs assessment usually involves a compilation of criminal history and other history (Andrews, Bonta & Hoge, 1990). Criminal history is often referred to as risk factors. These factors have been termed "static variables" because they do not change (Fulton, et al., 1995). Static variables include court history (number of arrests, times incarcerated, probation/parole revocations, etc.), demographics (age, gender, race, education, etc.), and other history (medical problems, treatment history, etc.). Even after intervention most static variables do not change (Andrews, et al., 1990). Consequently, used by themselves, static variables are limited in terms of predicting change such as antisocial attitudes, substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse, violence (lethality) proneness, emotional/cognitive stability, behavioral change and recidivism.

Risk factors are of limited use because offenders may be greatly different in terms of criminogenic needs such as, substance abuse, violence (lethality), antisocial attitudes and emotional or mental health. The goal of any corrections program is to reduce recidivism, therefore, it is necessary to assess offenders’ criminogenic needs. It has been shown that risk/need instruments that include criminogenic needs variables are closely linked to a model of behavioral change (Gendreau, 1994). These instruments help to target criminogenic needs for change in treatment. Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. (Risk & Needs) tests provide objective and standardized assessment which are necessary for accurate, reliable and valid identification of criminogenic needs as well as recidivism prediction.

References

Andrews, D.A., Zinger, I., Hoge, R., Bonta, J. Gendreau, P., & Cullen, F. (1989). Does Correctional Treatment Work? A Clinically Relevant and Psychologically Informed Meta-Analysis. Paper presented at the Research Seminar of National Associations Active in Criminal Justice, Ottawa, Canada.

Andrews, D., Bonta, J.& Hoge, R. (1990). Classification for effective rehabilitation: Rediscovering Psychology. Criminal Justice and Behavior 17, 19-52. This article outlines risk, responsivity and criminogenic needs classification.

Andrews, D. & Bonta, J. (1994). The Psychology of Criminal Conduct. Cincinnati, OH: Anderson Press.

Fulton, B. Gendreau, P. & Paparozzi, M. (1995). APPA’s Prototypical Intensive Supervision Program: ISP As It Was Meant To Be. American Probation and Parole Association, Perspectives, Spring, pp. 25-41.

Gendreau, P. (1994). "Principles of Effective Intervention." In Restructuring Intensive Supervision Programs: Applying "What Works." Lexington, KY: American Probation and Parole Association.

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