Do Mandatory Offender Treatment Programs Reduce Recidivism Rates?

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Many types of treatment programs have been developed and instituted in order to help offenders reform and decrease their likelihood of recidivating once released. Research has shown that the use of strictly punitive measures does very little in reducing recidivism amongst offenders, especially drug offenders. The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical framework for conducting a study looking at whether or not mandatory treatment programs do or do not help in reducing recidivism. The main focus of the study will be on offenders with substance abuse issues and a review of previous literature will present a strong foundation for the support of these such programs. The paper proposes a quasi-experimental design with a stratified random sampling technique involving the prison populations among various prisons throughout the United States. In evaluating the effectiveness of mandatory treatment programs, the study will look at the resulting recidivism rates, the length of treatment participation, and the receptiveness of offenders to participate.

Author

• Dustin Mellott, Slippery Rock University