The purpose of this study was to examine community attitudes towards ex-offenders released in San Bernardino under AB 109 on subjects that would likely impact the ex-offender reintegration process. Past research has shown that a community’s willingness to employ and offer social support to ex-offenders has a substantial impact on their probability of re-offense. This study focused on individuals whose roles in the community give them greater influence over ex-offenders. A total of 11 community members participated in this qualitative study. Of the 11 respondents, 4 were employers, 4 were social service workers, and 3 were community center workers. Respondents participated in verbal interviews that explored their prior knowledge of AB 109, past interactions with ex-offenders, and their views related to ex-offenders on community safety, reform, employment, social support, and the severity of an offender’s crime. Unanimous agreement that ex-offenders should be able to compete for employment provided they have job skills, but varying levels of willingness to hire or work alongside ex-offenders was the study’s most substantial finding. All respondents also reported having at least 1 prior relationship with an ex-offender. Community members also expressed varying opinions on the impact ex-offenders have on safety, but unanimously agreed that they need social support after release. These findings indicate that San Bernardino community members have high levels of familiarity with ex-offenders and believe they iv should have a chance to become productive members of society, but that many community members want to avoid personally interacting with ex-offenders due to safety concerns.

The recidivism rate for disciplinary offenses has increased during the last 8 years in the secondary student population of a sizeable, urban school district in the southwest United States. Recidivism for this district is the act of committing a second disciplinary offense during a single calendar year following completion of a behavior program. Guided by Erikson's theory of social development, this case study was designed to collect a purposeful sample of 21 educators' perceptions of the impact of recidivism on students' education and the effectiveness of treatment models to reduce recidivism. Data were collected from qualitative semi-structured interviews and field notes. Data were coded to identify common themes. Six themes emerged from the analysis: academics vs. discipline, stigmas, mentoring, social pressures, truancy, and loneliness and isolation. The most effective models for reducing recidivism were identified as restorative justice and teaching-family. In addition, educators believed recidivism lowered overall student achievement. The results of this study are of interest to those seeking an understanding of the impact of recidivism on students' education. This study promotes positive social change by suggesting effective practices, models, and treatments that contribute to improved educational environments that support for all students.

Sex offenders are commonly grouped into categories based on the characteristics (e.g., victim age, relationship to offender) of their victims for criminal sentencing and treatment purposes. The purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental study was to address the gap in the lack of literature comparing recidivism rates among biological fathers and male parental figures who committed incestuous child sexual abuse in Hawai'i against children 15 years or younger. This study was the first attempt in the state to examine the number of inmates who had completed their maximum sentences and were later returned to prison for new felony incest offenses. Secondary data were obtained from the Safety Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP) within the state of Hawai'i Department of Public Safety (DPS) from the years 1988 to 2013. Areas of recidivism and crimes involving biological fathers, stepfathers, boyfriends of the victims' mothers, foster parents, and hana'i family members were included (N = 1,727). Three hundred and ten met the criteria for the current study. The study had 2 independent variables: the offender's relationship to the victim (e.g., biological, adoptive, stepparent, foster parent or hana'i family members); or the residency status of the offender (e.g., lived with the victim versus did not live with the victim). The dependent variable was the recidivism rates of the incest offenders (i.e., new incest offense convictions). Analysis of these variables using the ï?£2 with Cramer's V statistical test lacked statistical significance as there was no documented evidence of recidivism in either group. The potential for social change and clinical significance still exists. Further analysis of the effectiveness of the SOTP may aid in sustaining low recidivism rates.

There is limited data about the positive application of self-efficacy and the practice of transparency for individuals in recovery to achieve long-term recovery from substance addiction and criminal recidivism. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to gain more insight and knowledge about how the application of self-efficacy and the practice of transparency help individuals in recovery achieve long-term recovery from substance addiction and criminal recidivism for two or more years. The conceptual framework used to guide this study was Albert Bandura's self-efficacy theory. This study is significant because it explains that long-term recovery is not an easy task to achieve, and many individuals who have a history of addiction and criminal behavior find it extremely difficult to achieve long-term recovery. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used for this study. This study employed a chain sample, using a semi-structured interview guide composed of open-ended questions. Five individuals agreed to the study and reported applying and practicing self-efficacy and transparency to achieve long-term recovery. The study analyzed and coded data to identify categories and themes. The findings reveled the importance of the use of self-efficacy and transparency in achieving long-term recovery from substances and decreasing recidivism. Themes identified was the ability to live day-to-day, breaking the cycle of addiction and recidivism, believing they are worth recovery (a better life), and sharing their story (transparency). This study may stimulate positive social change with the application of self-efficacy, as people struggling with addiction and recidivism may learn the importance of being transparent during the recovery process.

Throughout history the penal system has been viewed as the paramount means of dealing with criminals, though its function has transformed throughout time. It has served as a pit for detaining suspected criminals, a home for the vagrant, an institution for the insane, a dreaded place of repute, quarters for cleansing and renewal, and an establishment of cataloged charges. The trials and transformations of history have developed and shaped the institution that we recognize today. Presently, the United States prison population far exceeds that of any other country in the world. The political climate, tough on crime policies, determinate sentencing, and increasing cost of prisons have significantly increased numbers of various offenders in prisons and generated lengthy prison sentences; creating a proliferating annual prison population and a depletion of resources. As a result, this practice of essentially cataloging mass amounts of inmates appears to have resulted in a system whose practices, financial situation, depleting amount of resources and ultimately the inability achieve rehabilitation has resulted in a system accomplishing only incapacitation. However, other nations have created prison models that appear more successful, managing to lower prison populations while simultaneously lower crime rates. Comparing the United States to the Netherlands and Germany, countries that have been successful in these to lower prison populations while simultaneously lower crime rates, provides an opportunity for uncovering potential advantageous practices.

<p>This study is an evaluation of the rehabilitative effects of the Cognitive Skills program, an accredited correctional treatment program offered by the Swedish probation service since 1995. Whereas the program has previously been studied in Swedish prison settings, this is the first Swedish study in a non-custodial setting. All 117 male probationer program participants 1995-2000 were closely matched to 349 controls in a survival analysis of long-term recidivism in the sample. Program completers did not show lower relative risk of relapse than the control group, consisting of probationers who did not enter the program. A survival analysis of a violent offender subsample was inconclusive due to sample size but suggests a potential program effect on this type of offender.</p>

<p>This study investigates if there is a scientific consensus among experts in regard to diagnosing psychopathy, treatment of psychopaths, and if psychopathy is a reliable/valid predictor for recidivism. These results have been compared to how psychopathic diagnoses’ are used within the Swedish correctional system. Questionnaires were answered by 11 experts in the field of psychiatry and psychology. The results showed that no consensus exists in regard to diagnosing psychopathy, or its treatment. As for predicting recidivism there is someagreement. In short, different professionals claim different views. The Department of Corrections official position was static, e.g. psychopaths can be easily identified and most should be denied treatment. If an inmate was deemed as psychopathic the possibility for rehabilitation, furloughs or other alleviations, were greatly diminished.</p><p>Keywords: Psychopathy, psychopathic diagnosis, treatment, recidivism, correctional system</p>

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2006. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 105-117).

This study is an evaluation of the rehabilitative effects of the Cognitive Skills program, an accredited correctional treatment program offered by the Swedish probation service since 1995. Whereas the program has previously been studied in Swedish prison settings, this is the first Swedish study in a non-custodial setting. All 117 male probationer program participants 1995-2000 were closely matched to 349 controls in a survival analysis of long-term recidivism in the sample. Program completers did not show lower relative risk of relapse than the control group, consisting of probationers who did not enter the program. A survival analysis of a violent offender subsample was inconclusive due to sample size but suggests a potential program effect on this type of offender.

This study investigates if there is a scientific consensus among experts in regard to diagnosing psychopathy, treatment of psychopaths, and if psychopathy is a reliable/valid predictor for recidivism. These results have been compared to how psychopathic diagnoses’ are used within the Swedish correctional system. Questionnaires were answered by 11 experts in the field of psychiatry and psychology. The results showed that no consensus exists in regard to diagnosing psychopathy, or its treatment. As for predicting recidivism there is someagreement. In short, different professionals claim different views. The Department of Corrections official position was static, e.g. psychopaths can be easily identified and most should be denied treatment. If an inmate was deemed as psychopathic the possibility for rehabilitation, furloughs or other alleviations, were greatly diminished. Keywords: Psychopathy, psychopathic diagnosis, treatment, recidivism, correctional system