From risk to reintegration: challenges in implementing risk management in Flemish probation services

• In Event: International Perspectives in community sanctions and measures

Abstract

In Flanders (Belgium), probation services are currently in the early stages of implementing structured risk assessment and risk management, relying heavily on the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model (Bonta & Andrews, 2017, 2024) as a guiding framework. This model is a theoretical framework for offender rehabilitation that emphasizes assessing risk levels, targeting criminogenic needs, and tailoring interventions to an individual’s learning style and abilities to reduce recidivism. While this model offers a strong theoretical foundation, translating it into practice continues to pose challenges.

Although risk assessment tools are widely applied, the crucial step of risk management – translating risk assessment outcomes into concrete strategies to reduce recidivism – remains less developed. Risk management involves structured interventions such as supervision, treatment, monitoring, and victim protection (Hart et al., 2016) and requires a systematic process to translate criminogenic needs into actionable steps (Viljoen et al., 2018). Even in clinical settings, it is acknowledged that developing effective risk management plans remains complex (e.g., Hutten et al., 2022). In a probation context, these challenges are even greater due to structural constraints, including legal mandates, imposed conditions, and limited forensic care. This presentation identifies these challenges and explores ways to enhance the implementation of adequate risk management strategies in the Flemish probation services.

Authors

• Anna Marie Vansteenkiste, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium

• Lars Breuls, Vrije Universiteit Brussel

• Kasia Uzieblo, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, The Forensic Care Specialists

• Kristof Verfaillie, Vrije Universiteit Brussel