Citation

Howells K, Day A. Aust. Psychol. 2002; 37(3): 222-228.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Australian Psychological Society, Publisher Wiley-Blackwell)

DOI

10.1080/00050060210001706906

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Violent offenders are a significant group within prisons and correctional services and would generally be regarded as a priority for treatment and rehabilitation. Assessment and treatment approaches need to be based on theories of crime in general and of violence in particular. Available evidence suggests a range of criminogenic needs in violent offender populations. Individual functional analysis is thus required to ascertain the individual's needs and to plan interventions. Violence programs are developing in many countries but evidence of effectiveness is as yet limited. We argue that the issue of assessing and modifying readiness for treatment is likely to be crucial in improving treatment outcomes. In an Australian context, important questions also arise as to how interventions might be made responsive to the needs of offenders from Indigenous communities.