Introduction to the Risk-Needs-Responsivity Simulation Tools

• In Event: RNR on the Left Coast: A Research-Practitioner Partnership in Santa Cruz County

Abstract

The Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) framework suggests that improved offender outcomes will result when justice-involved individuals are linked to programming based on their static criminal justice risk and dynamic treatment. The three core RNR principles are: Risk – match level of service to offender’s risk to reoffend; Need – target key behaviors we know will have an impact via specific responses (evidence-based practices); and Responsivity – treatment effects are maximized when interventions are cognitive-based and tailored to offender’s risk, needs, and strengths.

The Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence!, the University of Massachusetts, and Maxarth, Inc. developed the RNR suite as a set of transitional tools to be used by practitioners, administrators, and treatment providers who work with criminal justice clients. The Program Tool examines program content, quality, dosage and other factors of services/treatments/controls. Assess an Individual makes recommendations for treatment for offenders and estimates the potential reduction in risk for recidivism that can be achieved if matched to appropriate programming. Assess Jurisdiction's Capacity provides recommendations for programming needs based on the profile of offenders in the jurisdiction and identifies gaps in services. In this paper, we will review the content of each tool and the meta-analytic data we drew upon in developing the tools.

Authors

• Heather Toronjo, George Mason University

• Amy Murphy, George Mason University

• Faye Taxman, George Mason University

• Michael Caudy, George Mason University

• Avinash S. Bhati, Maxarth