Examining Dropout and Success in Risk-Oriented Treatment Programs in Czech Prisons

• In Event: Mental and physical health in detention I

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a research project conducted in Czechia between 2020 and 2023, entitled "Determinants of success and failure among convicts participating in risk-oriented offender treatment programs." Despite the existence of several standardized treatment programs in Czech prisons, there is a severe lack of data regarding their participants and outcomes. The project had two objectives: 1) to address the issue by collecting data using a standardized form and 2) to examine the factors associated with program drop-out and low success rates in achieving the desired program outcomes. The final dataset consisted of 679 program participants evaluated by program lecturers at two time points: before and after program completion. Additional data on participants were obtained from prison databases and a risk and need assessment tool (SARPO). The overall drop-out rate was 19%, with roughly half of those dropping out for “justifiable” reasons such as conditional release or health issues. Among those who completed the program, 10% received poor success ratings. Nevertheless, there were substantial differences among the programs that are often related to their inherent characteristics. The failure to complete the program was significantly associated with demographic factors such as gender and education, as well as criminal history and assessed risk. However, the level of success was only weakly or insignificantly related to these factors. On the other hand, offenders’ motivation evaluated by lecturers at the beginning of the program was a strong predictor of both program completion and positive evaluation of its success. The implications of the project findings for improving program execution are discussed, along with the limitations of the study.

Authors

• Zuzana Podaná, Katedra sociologie, Charles University Prague

• Jiri Burianek, Katedra sociologie, Charles University Prague

• Martina Novopacká, Charles University

• Jindřich Hůrka, Prison Service of the Czech Republic

• Václav Jiřička, Prison Service of the Czech Republic

• Michal Petras, Prison Service of the Czech Republic