Assignment 1: Criminogenic Needs

Research has shown that a firm understanding of criminogenic needs is key to developing effective treatment programs for offenders. There is a plethora of correctional treatment programs that occur in jails and prisons, but it is common for some programs to rely on treatment needs that have face validity rather than focusing on valid criminogenic needs.

Tasks:

This assignment has two parts; complete both parts.

Part 1

• Without relying on research (just using your own thinking), generate a list of the most important treatment needs you believe criminal offenders have.

Part 2

Using the module's readings and the Argosy University online library resources, research treatment needs and effective correctional treatment programs.

In a minimum of 300 words, respond to the following:

• Explain the problem areas that are most important for correctional treatment programs to address. Be as specific as possible with the problem areas you identify. Support your assertions with reasons and examples from your research.
• Compare and contrast these problem areas with the list you had generated previously and discuss whether your list matches up.

Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Submission Details:

• By the due date assigned, post your responses to this Discussion Area.
• Through the end of the module, respond to at least two of your classmates' posts. While responding, comment on their ideas of the most important criminal offenders' needs that must be addressed through treatment:
  • Did your list match to those of your classmates?
  • Did anyone provide citations for program areas that you had not covered in your research?