Risk-need-responsivity model: Contrasting criminogenic and noncriminogenic needs in high and low risk juvenile offenders

The Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) offender rehabilitation model contends high risk offenders benefit more from intervention programs than low risk offenders (risk principle), and interventions are more effective if they target criminogenic needs (need principle) and engage offenders. A field study was undertaken in order to assess the relation between the risk of recidivism (high and low) and criminogenic and noncriminogenic needs in juvenile offenders. 101 juvenile offenders classified as either of high or low recidivism risk on the Youth level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) were evaluated in terms of school failure, behavioural disorders, psychological adjustment, and social skills. The results showed higher rates of school failure and behavioural disorders (criminogenic needs) in high risk than in low risk juvenile offenders, and higher rates in low risk offenders than in the general population. As for psychological adjustment and social skills (noncriminogenic needs), the results revealed higher deficits in high risk than in low risk juvenile offenders, and no differences between low risk offenders and the general population. The theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.