Exploring the Impact of General Responsivity Adherence among JDTC Participants

• In Event: Substance Use Treatment for Criminal Offenders

Abstract

The Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model (Andrews & Bonta, 2010) is widely regarded as a well-researched and empirically-supported model for providing effective correctional treatment. However, research is lacking regarding its application in juvenile correctional programs and substance abuse treatment. Additionally, even amongst research on the RNR model, little attention has been given to the responsivity principle. To address these gaps, the current study examined adherence to the general responsivity principle in the context of juvenile drug treatment court (JDTC). The following hypothesis was analyzed: The odds of rearrest will be lower among JDTC participants who received interventions with a higher number of responsivity-adherent techniques during the six-month period following program entry than participants who received interventions with fewer responsivity-adherent techniques, even after controlling for participant characteristics. Multiple linear regression was used to examine data collected from 10 JDTCs in the United States. The results indicated that an increase in the number of responsivity-adherent techniques corresponded to an increase in the odds of rearrest. These results suggest the need to elaborate on the general responsivity principle in theory to ensure adherence to the principle in practice.

Author

• Liana R. Taylor, Texas A&M University - Central Texas