Clare-Ann Fortune

Demographic and abuse characteristics in adolescent male sexual offenders with “special needs”

Adolescent sexual offenders with “special needs” are thought to pose different challenges for therapists working clinically. However, this population has received little attention in the literature, with the research in this area very limited. This study looked at the demographic and abuse characteristics of 24 adolescent sexual offenders with “special needs” who were compared with a group of 155 male adolescent sexual offenders with no special needs. Significant differences were found between the two groups. Those with special needs had higher levels of all forms of abuse, and differences were also found on some sub-scales of the Child Behaviour Checklist. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.

The Rehabilitation of Offenders: Reducing Risk and Promoting Better Lives

This article examines the nature of offender rehabilitation and briefly reviews the effectiveness of correctional interventions in reducing recidivism. It then outlines the two most prominent contemporary theories of offender rehabilitation: the Risk-Need-Responsivity Model and the Good Lives Model (GLM). Our aim is to introduce these two broad rehabilitation frameworks and analyse their practice implications. We conclude that the GLM can offer an alternative view of offender rehabilitation that seeks to help offenders live more fulfilling lives while also reducing risk.

The Good Lives Model and therapeutic environments in forensic settings

Purpose – There is increasing interest in applying strength-based approaches to offender rehabilitation. The purpose of this paper is to use the Good Lives Model (GLM) as an example to illustrate the fit that exists between strength-based approaches to offender rehabilitation and therapeutic communities. Design/methodology/approach – The authors briefly describe the GLM before discussing the key themes that link the two perspectives; the authors argue they naturally fit together in a number of areas. Findings – Both perspectives emphasise the importance of creating a safe and trusting therapeutic environment in which capacities (e.g. skills) can be developed that assist individuals to go on to live lives which are personally meaningful, and in which all their needs are met, enabling them to live offence free. Both also place importance on the role of personal responsibility. Originality/value – The authors conclude the GLM could usefully contribute to improving outcomes for those transitioning into the co...

From dynamic risk factors to causal processes: a methodological framework

ABSTRACT It is becoming increasingly apparent that dynamic risk factors are unable to function as explanations of offending because they are composite constructs, which contain a mixture of putative causes, states of affairs, and problematic cognitive, affective, behavioural and social states associated with crime. In this paper we draw from psychopathology research and theory on the conception and classification of mental disorders to develop the Dynamic Risk Research Framework (DRRF). In our opinion, the assumptions and methodological tool associated with this framework can better focus research into the causes of offending by making use of the information provided by dynamic risk factors. A conceptual framework such as the DRRF can arguably translate this valuable information into deep, coherent explanations, and ultimately, more streamlined and precise intervention strategies.

Integrating the Good Lives Model with relapse prevention: Working with juvenile sex offenders.

In this chapter, we have provided an overview of a strength-based model of offender rehabilitation, the Good Lives Model (GLM), and described how this model can be applied to relapse prevention with young people who have engaged in sexually abusive behavior. The GLM is a rehabilitative framework rather than a treatment program. Thus, it provides a structure that can inform the rehabilitative process including assessment, treatment, and relapse prevention. Specific, empirically supported treatment techniques for juvenile sex offenders, such as those used to develop empathy skills, social skills, or emotional regulation are “wrapped around” a GLM-derived good lives plan to build capabilities and reduce dynamic risk factors (criminogenic needs). From a therapeutic perspective, it makes sense to work with treatment and case management plans that revolve around what a person wants and can achieve, rather than simply listing situations they should avoid.In this chapter, we have provided an overview of a strength-based model of offender rehabilitation, the Good Lives Model (GLM), and described how this model can be applied to relapse prevention with young people who have engaged in sexually abusive behavior. The GLM is a rehabilitative framework rather than a treatment program. Thus, it provides a structure that can inform the rehabilitative process including assessment, treatment, and relapse prevention. Specific, empirically supported treatment techniques for juvenile sex offenders, such as those used to develop empathy skills, social skills, or emotional regulation are “wrapped around” a GLM-derived good lives plan to build capabilities and reduce dynamic risk factors (criminogenic needs). From a therapeutic perspective, it makes sense to work with treatment and case management plans that revolve around what a person wants and can achieve, rather than simply listing situations they should avoid.

Restorative Justice–Informed Moral Acquaintance Resolving the Dual Role Problem in Correctional and Forensic Practice

The issue of dual roles within forensic and correctional fields has typically been conceptualized as dissonance—experienced by practitioners—when attempting to adhere to the conflicting ethical requirements associated with client well-being and community protection. In this article, we argue that the dual role problem should be conceptualized more broadly to incorporate the relationship between the offender and their victim. We also propose that restorative justice (RJ) is able to provide a preliminary ethical framework to deal with this common ethical oversight. Furthermore, we unite the RJ framework with that of Ward’s moral acquaintance model to provide a more powerful approach (RJ-informed moral acquaintance) aimed at addressing the ethical challenges faced by practitioners within forensic and correctional roles.