What Works?
Through involvement with the International Community Corrections Association (ICCA) and the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA), ACTT is a leading partner in advocating the What Works agenda in offender treatment. Commonly used by correctional agencies, the term What Works refers to research principles and practices common to evidence-based offender programming. In a meta-analysis of correctional of correctional treatment programs, Gendreau and Andrews (1990) showed that offenders, especially substance abusers, share many of the following risk factors.
Anti-social attitudes, values and beliefs (criminal thinking)
Particular temperament and behavioral characteristics (egocentrism)
Pro-criminal associations and isolation from pro-social associates
Weak social and problem-solving skills
Criminal history
Negative family factors
Criminality/substance abuse in the family
Low levels of vocational and educational skills
Substance abuse
ACTT Principles
Effective treatment should be guided by the principles that are known to maximize their effectiveness (Gendreau & Andrews):
Target the criminogenic risk and need, emphasizing a clear understanding of criminal logic
Incorporate the principle of responsivity (matching the treatment and learning style of the offender)
Be cognitive-behavioral in nature and incorporate social learning practices
Incorporate a balanced, integrated approach to sanctions and interventions
Have therapeutic fidelity
The Advocate Program is not only a treatment provider, but a correctional treatment agency. Thirty years of experience have demonstrated the importance of communication between correctional agencies and treatment providers. The Program understands the need to partner and share information with other correctional agencies. Also understood is corrections officers are partners in the treatment process. As treatment providers, ACTT must be their partners in the supervision process. The partnership with correctional agencies leads to better treatment and outcomes for the clients served.
