Chapter 1 Introduction to OASys criteria being applied by the Joint Prison/Probation Accreditation Panel. The key principles are: Risk classification More intensive programmes should be targeted at high and medium risk offenders. There is good evidence that indiscriminate allocation to programmes is ineffective and may actually be counter-productive. Targeting needs Offenders have a variety of needs only some of which are directly related to offending behaviour. If these specific needs are tackled this should reduce the probability of re-offending .
Although some criminogenic needs such as unemployment and drug misuse are extremely common, the profile of needs will vary from offender to offender. Interventions are only effective if they target the individual’s specific offence related needs. Responsivity The responsivity principle means that offenders will only benefit from interventions which are meaningful to them and are delivered in a way which is appropriate to the learning style of the offender. The needs of particular groups (eg women, ethnic minorities, those with learning difficulties) must be taken into account.
Interventions should be paced, and offenders should be given the opportunity to practise new skills / attitudes and behaviour. Programmes need to address issues of motivation. Treatment method Appropriate types of intervention are typically skills-orientated, active and designed to improve problem solving in social interaction and other types of coping skills. Cognitive behavioural techniques have been shown, from the research data available, to be the most effective methods. Programme integrity Programmes should have clear and identified aims, appropriate methods and guidelines for style of delivery that are adhered to by tutors. Programmes should be properly managed and staff well trained.
Community-based programmes Generally, more positive results are found when programmes are community based, or are followed up in the community. The research emphasises that the ingredients of successful programmes are closely inter-related, and the evidence suggests that the most successful programmes adhere to all , not just some, of the principles. The research suggests that interventions that do not have regard to the principles of risk OASys Manual V2 © Crown Copyright 2002 Page 2