The role of the cognitive behavioral approach in the reduction of the risk of recidivism for the persons under surveillance of the probation service

The present paper has the following objectives: the description of the main characteristics of the approach to the offenders’ rehabilitation, based on structured group programs and the description of the effects that structured group program (“Heads or tails”) have in relation to the subjects’ resources and their willingness to reconsider their attitudes towards themselves, reality (justice, rules, customs etc.), and their positive behavioral changes. The results showed that subjects who followed this program have revised their perception on the reality, being able to make a cost-benefit analysis with a focus on a socially desirable decision.