The "How to Improve" the Psychology of Criminal Conduct and Risk-Need-Responsivity Frameworks in Improving Corrections (PID004)

9.30am – 10.30am BST, 14 May 2025 ‐ 1 hour

Plenary

PCC/RNR presents many implementation challenges that many correctional agencies find difficult to navigate.  However, there are three actionable solutions that should be considered.  First, make a commitment to managing organizations that promote the professionalism of staff.  This means using techniques where staff are involved in problem-solving and facilitate implementation.  Second, practice frameworks should be created and used to facilitate procedurally just and fair decisions.  Practice frameworks are not restrictive but instead provide professionals with the knowledge and tools to make the best decisions. Third, update and modernize the three principles of RNR in terms of what we consider to be risky behaviors, an expansion of the needs that can be addressed by the social determinants of health during the correctional process, and a client-centered approach that embraces individualism.  A more complete definition of risk, need, and responsivity should generate new options, including the use of non-criminal justice agencies and the use of a broader set of strategies to improve a person's quality of life (which should reduce criminal behavior). Organizations should commit to PCC/RNR as tools of desistance.