Thesis(M.A. (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2018 / The study explored recidivism as a lived experience among the youth incarcerated at Polokwane Secure Care Centre in Polokwane, Limpopo Province. The study focused on describing the subjective meanings that recidivist youth attach to their behaviour and established what the youth consider to be the causes of their recidivist behaviour. Furthermore, the study explored what the youth perceive as possible interventions to reduce recidivism. A total of six participants (all males; aged between 16 and 18) were selected using the purposive sampling method. Data were collected using semi structured interviews. Thematic analysis method was used to analyse the data. The six major themes that emerged during data analysis were; a) labelling; b) peer pressure; c) substance abuse; d) socialisation; e) conduct disorder; and f) self discipline and constructive activities. The findings of the study suggest that various factors contribute to recidivism including the use of substances; parenting styles as well as peer pressure. Furthermore, the findings showed that behavioural problems including criminal behaviour in the youth, may be due to being labelled as a criminal or Conduct Disorder. The findings further suggest the influence the environment has on the youth, and how being socialised in an environment that emphasises a fancy lifestyle may contribute to the youth engaging in criminal activities to meet the standards of that particular environment. The findings further suggest that self discipline and of constructive activities may help to reduce recidivism among the youth. The study is concluded by, among others, recommending that psychological services be widely available to communities which will allow the youth to have easy access to such services. This may assist them in dealing with issues such as their experiences within the households (such as abuse) and how to better manage/ control their emotions as opposed to responding aggressively.

No description available.

acase@tulane.edu / 1 / Sonita Singh

The Assessment of Risk and Manageability in Intellectually Disabled IndividuaLs who Offend (ARMIDILO) was developed to address the need for assessment tests specifically designed for intellectually disabled (ID) individuals who offend. This is the first study focusing on the application of the ARMIDILO by using comparative current risk assessment tests to evaluate the ARMIDILO as an effective risk assessment tool. In this research 16 ID people who have recorded sexual and or violent behaviour offences were evaluated using the Violent Offender Risk Assessment Scale (VORAS), Static-99 and ARMIDILO risk assessment tests. The ARMIDILO, VORAS and Static-99 assessments were completed using individual history files kept within the Regional Forensic Psychiatric Service. The VORAS and Static-99 were adapted to incorporate reported, but not charged or otherwise litigated offences and convictions. The adapted tests were then compared against the ARMIDILO as a risk assessment tool. Analysis of the ARMIDILO showed strong validity in assessing ID people who offend. The main strength of the ARMIDILO is in identifying the risk needs of the ID person who offends and may be an effective management test when used in assessing individual needs and program implementation. Risk assessment through the ARMIDILO showed similar results to Static-99 but compared only moderately with the VORAS in measuring the risk of re-offending. Future research with a larger population may further validate the reliability of the ARMIDILO as an assessment tool. Adaptation of the current score sheet for use by non-clinical and correctional staff may prove cost effective.

Many offenders participate in multiple treatment programs while incarcerated. Despite this, few studies have investigated the possibility of interactions between programs, and instead the correctional discourse has focused on assessing programs individually. However, it is likely that combinations of programs work together to affect offenders’ post-release performance in ways that cannot be predicted by the sum of their main effects alone. The current study uses logistic regression analysis to investigate the presence of interaction effects between custodial treatment programs in Canadian federal prison. It uses a population sample of 17,727 male offenders admitted to prison between January 1st, 2002 and December 31st, 2006, and released into the community on Day Parole or Statutory Release on or before December 31st, 2009. Findings of the study suggest that certain program combinations reduce the odds of post-release recidivism more than others, but effective programming differs depending on whether an offender has substance abuse needs. Furthermore, the number of successfully completed correctional programs raises an offender’s odds of post-release success, regardless of the content of the program.

The purpose of this research study was to address the gap in the research literature that existed concerning the absence of qualitative data addressing relapse and recidivism in Texas. Numerous quantitative studies dealt with these issues. However, gaps in the literature existed because accounts and opinions of specific participants regarding these conclusions were absent. Consequently, we lacked specific direction. The perspective of the individual, the insider, was missing. This study helped determine the meaning of "making it" for the parolee/addict attempting to assimilate into the general population and avoid relapse and recidivism. To achieve the research objectives, an ethnographic interview methodology was utilized. The population engaged in the study included male parolees who live in Harris County Texas. All men gained parole between 1992 and 1994, hold positions as professionals in substance abuse counseling, and reported ten years or more of drug free and crime free living. The literature review established the documented need and importance for a qualitative study. The literature defined recidivism according to Texas state officials. The literature considered achievement of parolees who attended the Windham School District. The final section of literature considered the development and operation of the In Prison Therapeutic Community (IPTC) program. The findings from the interviews determined that "making it" consisted of working the twelve-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), meeting with parole officers, dealing with risky behaviors, and remaining committed to a drug free and crime free life. Study participants expressed that state record keeping appeared inaccurate and presented a false picture regarding the actual number of drug related arrests and the actual long-term recidivism rate. The participants noted that the Windham School District exhibited a major influence in making a conscious decision to turn toward positive outcomes. It was recommended that the role of the Windham School District be expanded due to the record of achievement. Other recommendations included the establishment of a longitudinal study of Texas parolees to exceed five years in duration to check long-term recidivism rates and an ethnographic study that focused on the members of the Winner's Circle.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - Simon Fraser University, 2005. / Theses (Dept. of Psychology) / Simon Fraser University. Also issued in digital format and available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph. D. (Social Work))--University of Pretoria, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Rutgers University, 2009. / "Graduate Program in Criminal Justice." Includes bibliographical references (p. 138-143).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Joint Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership (California State University, Fresno and University of California, Davis). / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references. Also available via the World Wide Web. (Restricted to UC campuses).