NCJ Number
230926
Date Published
2010
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This chapter's review of desistance theories (why offenders cease a criminal lifestyle) concludes that the overall message of desistance challenges the current British 'top-down' model of what works in supervising offenders.
Abstract
The chapter notes that desistance research has already significantly impacted debates in Great Britain about probation policy and practice. Key findings have emerged from desistance research and subsequent discussions. The desistance process apparently has common elements for at least most people, i.e., developing maturity, the emergence of new social ties that hold particular subjective significance for the individuals involved, and, sometimes, a renegotiation of personal identity. This chapter reviews the elements of desistance in relation to gender differences, ethnic differences, and the significance of religion. The evidence from the research is that the common elements of the desistance process can be differently experienced, depending on the socio-structural, cultural, and spiritual positions of the individuals involved. This suggests that no rehabilitative intervention that attempts to foster desistance from crime can succeed if it lacks sufficient sensitivity to these issues of diversity. Supervising and guiding a person to desistance from crime requires an understanding of all the factors that have influenced his/her behaviors, values, attitudes, and goals thus far. This should be followed by creative interaction with the individual in determining where he/she wants his/her life to go in the future, along with the resources and changes required to make that future happen. 5 notes and 76 references