International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology最新文献

Longitudinal data are essential to research in criminology and criminal justice. Despite attrition's implications for validity, understanding its sources is underexplored empirically. We examine the correlates of retention using covariates organized into domains of prediction, prevention, and projection. Data from the LoneStar Project, a three-wave longitudinal reentry study of 802 males recently released from prisoners in Texas, were analyzed to examine the correlates of proximal, distal, and any study retention. The best correlates of study retention are prevention techniques used by researchers to reduce attrition. In contrast, only a few covariates traditionally associated with attrition and no covariates used for attrition projection were related to retention. What researchers do matters more for retention than the characteristics of individuals they are trying to retain. The findings underscore how researchers can improve study retention in longitudinal research while also correcting for non-random attrition in current longitudinal data sources.

Justice-involved adults experience disparities in healthcare access. This pilot study examines healthcare access among young adult probationers (n = 66) receiving 6-months of Service Navigation and Health Coaching support implemented between 2017 and 2021. Data are from baseline, 6-month follow-up and satisfaction surveys. Between baseline and follow-up, the proportion of insured young adult participants (66%-88%; p < .001) and those using healthcare services (36%-71%; p < .001) increased significantly; report of unmet physical healthcare needs decreased significantly (44%-26%; p = .003). Satisfaction data revealed increased self-efficacy, motivation, focus, and improved organizational, goal setting, and communication skills. The program improved healthcare access by increasing health insurance and recent use of healthcare services. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess maintenance of these outcomes and potential impacts on disparities in health status and access to care indicators. Integrating navigation and coaching supports to advance the well-being of justice-involved young adults is a promising mechanism to facilitate healthcare access.

Mental health diversion pairs mental health treatment with court oversight as an alternative to incarceration. We conducted a qualitative exploration of the applicability of a patient-centered care framework-typically applied in healthcare contexts to center the experience of a patient in their own care-to mental health diversion. This study examines (1) if the principles of patient-centered care are experienced by mental health diversion clients and (2) how these principles apply to hybrid healthcare-legal system intervention like mental health diversion. We interviewed 15 diversion clients from 6 counties in California. Findings suggested that patient-centered care is relevant to diversion clients, including client access to care, relationships with trusted professionals, and respect for preferences. However, the patient-centered care framework requires adaptation for the mental health diversion context, in which both therapeutic professionals and legal professionals play key roles.

Since its development in 1985 by Melvin and colleagues, the Attitudes Toward Prisoners Scale (ATP) has been employed to measure attitudes toward offenders. However, our current knowledge of public attitudes toward offenders is limited primarily to (a) Anglo-Saxon countries and Hong Kong; and (b) non-random samples. This paper differs from most previous research in its use of a random sample in a hitherto unexplored jurisdiction and multivariate analysis to identify correlates of public attitudes toward offenders. We identified a unidimensional structure of ATP in the context of Azerbaijan, which conforms to the findings reported by the research in the American, European settings, but contradicts the ones from Asian settings. The results from a sample of urban citizens in the capital city of Azerbaijan (n = 390) suggest that those who know a prisoner hold a more positive attitude. Demographically, those with a higher age level and holding a higher education diploma scored higher on the ATP scale. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed toward the end.

Based on an early 2020s survey of 3,500 police officers from nine countries, this paper explores perceived community and police adherence to the COVID-19 regulations. We propose that both public and police perceived adherence with the COVID-19 rules are related not only to individual-level factors (e.g., gender, concern for own health) but also to country-level factors (e.g., quality of governance, protection of citizens' rights). Our findings reveal that individual-level factors, such as the concerns for personal and family health, were strong and consistent predictors of perceived community and police adherence. While misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with the perceived community adherence, it was not related to the perceived police adherence. Moreover, country-level factors, such as the stringency of COVID-19 rules and regulations and the protection of citizens' rights, were also significantly related to both perceived community and police adherence.

The increasing ethnic diversity in Europe's forensic population challenges culturally sensitive rehabilitation. The Good Lives Model, a strengths-based rehabilitation framework promoting well-being and desistance, provides a universal structure but shows potential for cultural adaptation. This study explores the emic dimensions of the GLM's core concepts and assumptions-primary goods, secondary goods, strengths, and obstacles-among ethnically diverse forensic clients, with particular attention to how they perceive and engage with the model. Semi-structured Good Lives interviews were conducted with 18 forensic clients from diasporic groups. Findings indicate that while primary goods hold universal relevance, cultural factors influence their prioritization attainment. The GLM enables recognition of systemic barriers alongside individual strengths. Participants perceived the Good Lives Interview as fostering comfort and rapport, enabling discussions on sensitive topics, including offending behavior.

This systematic review examines the perspectives of victim-survivors, family members, and professionals (VFP's) on the reintegration of men convicted of sexual offenses into the community. A search of 8 databases identified 8,621 potential sources. After screening, 36 studies were included in the review. Papers were included if they used qualitative methods about VFP's views, attitudes, opinions, and/or perceptions on the reintegration of adult males who have sexually offended, from prison or secure care. The papers were then critically appraised and thematically synthesized. The findings highlighted four key themes: supervision, discrimination, livelihood, and interventions. These themes revealed the complex and multifaceted nature of reintegration, where varying perspectives highlighted a balance between public safety concerns, the potential for rehabilitation, and the profound social and emotional implications for those directly involved with the offenders. The implications for future research, and policy and practice, including support for families, professional training, and advocating for policy reform, are discussed.

This study examined whether subscales of the Youth Level of Service Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) have added value beyond the total score. Including 238 detained Japanese juvenile offenders (ages 16-19), the proportional reduction in mean squared error (PRMSE) method was applied. Most subscales showed added value, except for Attitudes/Orientation. For the younger group, all subscales except Attitudes/Orientation showed added value. For older juveniles, Family Circumstances/Parenting, Education/Employment, and Attitudes/Orientation did not. Construct validity was assessed via correlations with prior delinquency indicators. While the total score showed consistent associations, some subscales-notably among older youth-did not, raising concerns about their relevance. These findings suggested that subscales should be interpreted according to both statistical distinctiveness and theoretical support. Subscale analysis may aid intervention planning, particularly for younger offenders, but its utility should be judged by both psychometric and practical standards.

Transgender individuals with previous convictions for sexual offenses are an under-researched yet growing population in the UK. This study adopted a qualitative approach to exploring the lived experiences of three such individuals who were currently living in the community under the management of Probation Services. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyze the data derived from semi-structured interviews with the participants. Two superordinate themes were identified: "The process of coming out" and "How the world treats me/sees me." The superordinate and subordinate themes are presented and discussed in relation to working with this group of individuals. The findings highlight the psychological impact of identity invalidation and stigma, and the value of responsive, gender-affirming support. This has practical implications for Probation Services, suggesting that inclusive and flexible approaches are key to promoting engagement, well-being, and rehabilitation in this marginalized group.

This study investigates the role of social support in the social adaptation of offenders in community corrections, focusing on four dimensions: emotional, appraisal, informational, and instrumental support. Using self-reported survey data from 332 participants in China, findings reveal that all four support dimensions significantly predict social adaptation, with informational support being the strongest predictor. The study emphasizes the importance of social support in improving reintegration outcomes and proposes practical social work interventions. These include direct assistance with essential needs such as food, housing, and healthcare, as well as guidance on employment and legal rights. Emotional well-being strategies and self-evaluation support are also recommended. The findings highlight the need for structured support systems that promote interdisciplinary collaboration to improve rehabilitation outcomes. While rooted in the Chinese context, these insights offer valuable implications for global social work practices in offender reintegration.