Showing papers by "Christopher T. Lowenkamp published in 2006"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated how adherence to the risk principle by targeting offenders who are higher risk and varying length of stay and services by level of risk affects program effectiveness in reducing recidivism.
Abstract: Over the recent past there have been several meta-analyses and primary studies that support the importance of the risk principle. Oftentimes these studies, particularly the meta-analyses, are limited in their ability to assess how the actual implementation of the risk principle by correctional agencies affects effectiveness in reducing recidivism. Furthermore, primary studies are typically limited to the assessment of one or two programs, which again limits the types of analyses conducted. This study, using data from two independent studies of 97 correctional programs, investigates how adherence to the risk principle by targeting offenders who are higher risk and varying length of stay and services by level of risk affects program effectiveness in reducing recidivism. Overall, this research indicates that for residential and nonresidential programs, adhering to the risk principle has a strong relationship with a program’s ability to reduce recidivism.
459 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed data on 3,237 offenders placed in 1 of 38 community-based residential programs as part of their parole or other post-release control, and found significant and substantial relationships between program characteristics and program effectiveness.
Abstract: Research Summary:
This study analyzed data on 3,237 offenders placed in 1 of 38 community-based residential programs as part of their parole or other post-release control. Offenders terminated from these programs were matched to, and compared with, a group of offenders (N = 3,237) under parole or other post-release control who were not placed in residential programming. Data on program characteristics and treatment integrity were obtained through staff surveys and interviews with program directors. This information on program characteristics was then related to the treatment effects associated with each program.
Policy Implications:
Significant and substantial relationships between program characteristics and program effectiveness were noted. This research provides information that is relevant to the development of correctional programs, and it can be used by funding agencies when awarding contracts for services.
336 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the predictive validity of the Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LOSI) was evaluated using a sample of Native American and White offenders in a northern midwestern state.
100 citations
TL;DR: The Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R) is a risk/need assessment instrument that was designed to assist correctional agencies in classifying offenders based upon risk of re-offending, thereby allowing agencies to assign appropriate levels of risk and develop intervention/case-plans accordingly as mentioned in this paper.
88 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the effects of program characteristics on recidivism using a sample drawn from community non-residential programs to determine if the risk and need principles apply to traditional supervision-oriented programs such as intensive supervision probation, electronic monitoring, day reporting, and work release.
Abstract: IN THE PAST 20 YEARS, there has been a re-emergence of interest in the effectiveness of correctional treatment programs for offenders. This interest has led to the development of the principles of effective interventions (Gendreau, 1996; Gendreau, French, & Taylor, 2002). Research has now shown a link between these program characteristics and effectiveness (Andrews & Dowden, 1999; Lipsey & Wilson, 1995; Gendreau, 1996; Lowenkamp, 2004: Lowenkamp, Latessa, and Smith, 2006). However, most of these studies have examined traditional residential treatment programs. Therefore, the question remains: Do these principles apply to community non-residential programs such as intensive supervision probation? The current study examines the effects of program characteristics on recidivism using a sample drawn from community non-residential programs to determine if the risk and need principles apply to traditional supervision-oriented programs such intensive supervision probation, electronic monitoring, day reporting, and work release.
63 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the predictive validity of the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) within an institutional setting and used it to predict institutional misconduct.
Abstract: Offender assessment in corrections has advanced considerably over the last several decades. Currently, it is not uncommon to find correctional professionals using any number of objective standardized assessment instruments. While many of these instruments possess face validity as well as statistical predictive validity, more work is needed to test classification protocol on new populations, and in various correctional environments. The current paper investigates the predictive validity of the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) within an institutional setting. Specifically, the composite score rendered from the YLS/CMI is used to predict institutional misconduct. The YLS/ CMI was found to effectively differentiate between two levels of offender risk/ need, and was significantly related to outcome using several different statistical techniques.
31 citations