Many sizes fit all: A preliminary framework for conceptualizing the development and provision of cognitive–behavioral rehabilitation programs for offenders

Over the last twenty years, the growing influence of the Risk–Need–Responsivity model (RNR; Andrews & Bonta, 2006), and meta-analyses of “what works” can be seen in the number of jurisdictions seeking to implement high quality and consistently delivered rehabilitative interventions for offenders. However, results have created concern that interventions are “one-size-fits-all,” and that more attention should be given to differential treatment response. And although it has revolutionized high-level policy on offender management and rehabilitation provision, the RNR model does not provide clear guidance on many important details of program design and delivery that differentiate one treatment from another. In some areas of offender rehabilitation, the conceptual resources to guide such decisions appear to be absent or underdeveloped. This paper surveys cognitive–behavioral group-based interventions for offenders, and finds considerable diversity in their design and delivery. Several relevant dimensions are used to organize this diversity into a conceptual framework of three levels of program, based primarily around levels of offender risk and program intensity. Advantages of such a framework are that it will stimulate theory development and empirical investigation of alternate delivery models, and in so doing, support ongoing progress in rehabilitation, despite a political environment that is more and more caught up in punitive containment.

Research Highlights► The article argues that Risk, Need, and Responsivity programs are diverse. ► This diversity runs counter to "one size fits all" critics. ► I propose a framework that meaningfully organises program heterogeneity. ► New intervention theory, program design, and evaluation all benefit from placement in such a framework.