What are the most evidenced based interventions for reducing recidivism
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Evidence-Based Interventions for Reducing Recidivism
Psychological Interventions in Prison
Effectiveness of Psychological Treatments
Psychological interventions have been widely implemented in prisons to reduce recidivism, but their effectiveness remains debated. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that psychological interventions were associated with reduced reoffending outcomes (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.56–0.92). However, this effect was not significant when smaller studies were excluded (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.68–1.11). This suggests that while psychological treatments show promise, their impact may be overestimated due to publication bias and small-study effects.
Therapeutic Communities
Therapeutic communities, a specific type of psychological intervention, have shown more consistent results. These communities were associated with decreased rates of recidivism (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.46–0.91). This finding is supported by another review, which highlighted that therapeutic communities consistently reduced recidivism and drug use among incarcerated individuals.
Specialized Psychological Treatments
Offense-Specific Programs
Specialized psychological treatments targeting specific offenses, such as sexual offenses, domestic violence, and general violence, have demonstrated significant reductions in recidivism. Treated individuals showed a 32.6% reduction in sexual offense recidivism, a 36.0% reduction in domestic violence recidivism, and a 24.3% reduction in general violence recidivism compared to untreated individuals. These programs were more effective when facilitated by qualified psychologists and when staff received clinical supervision.
Noninstitutional Psychosocial Interventions
Juvenile Offenders
Noninstitutional psychosocial interventions for juvenile offenders have shown mixed results. A meta-analysis found no significant reductions in recidivism compared to control conditions, although some individual studies suggested positive effects. Another meta-review indicated that intervention programs could reduce recidivism, especially when combined with rehabilitative modalities.
Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions
Probationers
Cognitive-behavioral interventions (CBIs) have been effective in reducing recidivism among high- and medium-risk probationers. A study found that probationers who participated in CBIs were more likely to complete probation satisfactorily and had longer survival times before rearrest compared to a matched comparison group. This suggests that CBIs can be a valuable tool in community corrections.
Health Care-Based Violence Intervention Programs
Youth Violence
Health care-based violence intervention programs (VIPs) targeting youth violence have shown promise in reducing injury recidivism. Although only one out of six programs showed a significant reduction in recidivism, several studies reported positive intermediate outcomes such as increased service use and attitude changes. These programs also led to reductions in health care and criminal justice system costs.
Substance Use Interventions
Incarceration-Based Drug Treatment
Incarceration-based drug treatment programs, particularly therapeutic communities, have been effective in reducing recidivism and drug relapse. These programs showed a 15-17% reduction in recidivism and drug use post-release. Opioid maintenance treatments also reduced drug use after release, although their impact on recidivism was less clear.
Combined Interventions
Multiple Program Assignments
Combining multiple evidence-based interventions can lead to incremental improvements in recidivism outcomes. Correctional clients who participated in combinations of basic skills training, vocational training, and cognitive-behavioral treatment were more likely to reduce post-release reconvictions compared to those who participated in standalone interventions.
Conclusion
The most evidenced-based interventions for reducing recidivism include therapeutic communities, specialized psychological treatments for specific offenses, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and health care-based violence intervention programs. Combining multiple interventions can further enhance their effectiveness. Future research should focus on improving the quality and consistency of these interventions to ensure their long-term success in reducing recidivism.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Effectiveness of psychological interventions in prison to reduce recidivism: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Psychological Resilience Interventions to Reduce Recidivism in Young People: A Systematic Review
Does specialized psychological treatment for offending reduce recidivism? A meta-analysis examining staff and program variables as predictors of treatment effectiveness.
The effects of health care–based violence intervention programs on injury recidivism and costs: A systematic review
Systematic review and meta-analysis of noninstitutional psychosocial interventions to prevent juvenile criminal recidivism.
The 40-year debate: a meta-review on what works for juvenile offenders
Treatment Combinations: The Joint Effects of Multiple Evidence-Based Interventions on Recidivism Reduction
The Effectiveness of Incarceration‐Based Drug Treatment on Criminal Behavior: A Systematic Review
Evaluation of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for high- and medium-risk probationers.
Substance Use and Recidivism Outcomes for Prison-Based Drug and Alcohol Interventions
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