Criminogenic Needs
A lot of research in the past twenty years has amply demonstrated that certain types of correctional programs have been clearly shown to be more effective in reducing recidivism. In predicting recidivism, we know that there are a number of "static" factors that are predictive. These are factors such as age, juvenile and adult criminal history, etc. Programming cannot change these static factors, but it
can address other predictive factors that influence an offender’s current behavior, values, and attitudes.
These areas, which a) have been shown to be associated with recidivism and b)
can be changed, are called
criminogenic needs. Which dynamic factors are actually criminogenic needs and which are not does not always match some of the commonly held perceptions and beliefs of corrections staff. For example, it is likely that many people working in corrections environments would quickly identify an inadequate educational background as a criminogenic need for many offenders. Research, however, has shown that educational level in and of itself is not predictive of recidivism. The major predictor is employment. So, if an offender’s educational deficiencies impair his/her ability to secure and retain employment, then education is a criminogenic need; if the offender’s educational achievement level does not negatively affect his/her ability to secure and retain employment, then education is not a criminogenic need, regardless of how low that educational level might be.
Briefly stated, research has shown the following types of needs to be
criminogenic:
Anti-social personality Anti-social attitudes and values Anti-social associates Family dysfunction Poor self-control, poor problem-solving skills Substance abuse Lack of employment/employment skills