NCJ Number
194763
Journal
Risk Management: An International Journal Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: 2002 Pages: 33-45
Date Published
2002
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The qualitative study investigated risk management for offenders with learning disabilities situated in a low/medium-secure facility within a hospital located in Northern England. Both offenders and staff were interviewed to gain each perspective. Two different approaches to understanding risk management were unveiled: a rehabilitative and an anamnestic (or past behavior) toward offenders.
Abstract
The ability for parole boards to consider people as they are today versus how they were when a crime was committed years ago, is an issue still being explored. What is the likelihood of reoffending upon release for some people? Thirteen staff members and 11 patients (9 men and 2 women) were interviewed for this study. The concept of risk management involves four elements, identified as an event, adversity, probability, and time. Uncertainty, judgements, and the unknown and/or unforeseen are a common thread throughout these elements. Some researchers prefer to use actuarial risk assessment models, while others prefer clinical methods. Still others believe that anamnestic modeling becomes actuarial when past and present offending patterns are understood through empirical studies. The severity of the crime, politics, and the need to protect the public all come into play when discussing risk management of offenders. In addition, an offending adult with a learning disability is an added burden if released and can lead to dependence on family members who may reject the person. Three stances towards residential time were studied: a past history of offending, present conduct, and projected future behavior. Some staff interviewed thought that a past history of offending was indicative of future behavior. Other staff reported that while working with patients, they got to know them and were better able to assess progress than their supervisors, who tended to make decisions about the patient's future. Some patients wanted to be in prison because they believed that they would be released sooner than in a hospital. Many were preoccupied with not knowing when they were going to get out. This line of thinking leads patients to not engage in treatment, which in turn decreases the likelihood of release. This qualitative study provides useful insight into understanding risk management for offenders with learning disabilities. The issue is complex and the limitations or risk analysis as a guide for future behavior requires additional research. 39 Notes