Development and Features of a New, Values-based Prisoner Assessment Instrument and Alternative to Traditional Criminogenic Risk Assessment Instruments—The Good Citizenship Inventory (GCI)

• In Event: Poster Session 1

Abstract

The Good Citizenship Inventory (GCI), based on Prison Fellowship's Good Citizenship Model (GCM), represents a paradigm shift in prisoner assessment and rehabilitation. Unlike traditional criminogenic risk assessment approaches, the GCM focuses on assessing the extent to which prisoners embrace and act upon a set of highly functional, prosocial values. By addressing value-laden criminogenic factors through instilling and developing positive, behavior-driving values, rehabilitation programs can avoid the negative foci of traditional risk assessment and treatment approaches. The GCI assesses an individual's status on positive character attributes, enabling a more positively-framed process of strengthening values and identity. This presentation will discuss the GCI's psychometric properties, unique design features, and its application in prison settings for identifying needs and preparing prisoners not only to refrain from criminal behavior but also to achieve human flourishing.

Authors

• Michael Denhof, Prison Fellowship

• Leigha Puckett, Prison Fellowship