Ebook: Rehabilitation (Key Ideas in Criminology Series)

This review is written from the perspective of a forensic psychologist who moves between policy and practice in offender rehabilitation. In 2001 I was faced with the task of policy development to implement the risk-need model across a correctional system. At the time, I could understand what was meant by 'risk' and 'need' but the 'responsivity' element seemed to be missing. In practice focusing on moderate-high risk offenders and targeting offending behaviour has been resisted by practitioners.

The book addresses the problems that many practitioners have expressed regarding offender rehabilitation. Most helpfully, the focus is on "what helps" (the right question) rather than "what works" (perhaps the wrong question). This approach draws the reader away from the usual scripts regarding controlled studies, meta-analyses, and structured (and usually very boring) treatment programs. The book draws the reader towards contemplating how to engage offenders willingly, using strengths-based approaches, assisting offenders to desist from offending and achieving an agreed pro-social life (a much more gratifying way of working).

Generally, literature articulating the Good Lives Model is a dense read. However, in this instance it is designed for the practitioner. Nevertheless, readers need to consider theory. A rehabilitation theory addresses underlying principles, assumptions about causes of offending, and then practice implications. Too often, practitioners dive straight into delivery (i.e., assessment tools and 'one size fits all' treatment packages) without considering the theory that underpins behaviour change. Effective treatment cannot occur without detailed clinical case formulations. A case formulation can work with the offender to determine the causes of offending and what the best individualised strategies to deal with them she or he may choose. This book provides the simplest explanation of the Good Lives Model for those who want to operationalise it.

This book should inspire policy-makers and practitioners to try something different to improve services to offenders in order to meet their needs. As an aside, reading one section motivated me to ask the inmates of a prison I manage what we could do to reduce their drug use (and spare them from the immediate legal consequences they are currently experiencing in the program)- and they told me!