Understanding the Relationships between Trauma and Criminogenic Risk Using the Risk-Need-Responsivity Model

Abstract

Despite the high rates of trauma histories in offenders and the link between trauma and subsequent criminal behaviour, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between trauma and criminogenic risk factors have not received adequate attention. Trauma-informed care is increasingly a priority in forensic organisations, although individual trauma work is rarely a focus for prison-based intervention. Research conducted with female offenders has consistently found higher rates of complex trauma histories in comparison to male offenders (Benda, 2005;McCabe et al., 2002). Current correctional models are disproportionately informed by studies of male offenders despite findings of disparities between offending pathways based on gender and histories of complex trauma (Gannon et al., 2010). A review of the literature regarding the relationship between trauma and offending behaviour using the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model of criminogenic needs and the relationship between trauma and offending in females in comparison to males is considered. Findings have both pragmatic and theoretical significance for addressing the gap in exploring etiological mechanisms linking the RNR criminogenic risk factors to crime. Implications and recommendations for correctional policy and model development addressing trauma will be discussed.

Women admitted to forensic psychiatry in Flanders (Belgium): who are they?

“…The high prevalence of victimisation both in childhood and adulthood is also in line with previous research (Beck et al , 2017; de Vogel et al , 2016; Green et al , 2016; Krammer et al , 2018; Sahota et al , 2010) . Trauma is connected to risk factors for crime as identified by the RNR model and the acute trauma symptomatology may also reduce the effectiveness of conventional treatment (Fritzon et al , 2021). Hence, preventing revictimization should have a high priority in forensic psychiatric treatment by paying specific attention to the role of social and intimate relationships and disruptions in these relationships (Covington and Bloom, 2006).…”

Evaluating RNR-Based Targeted Treatment and Intervention Dosage in the Context of Traumatic Exposure

“…discussed above), deeper penetration into the justice system (multiple arrests, residential placement; Zettler et al, 2018), and increased/quicker recidivism (Wolff et al, 2017). As such, we echo recent work suggesting “Instead of making decisions about who should receive treatment based on the quantification of risk factors, trauma-informed practice would encourage decision making based on the extent to which there appears to be a common etiological mechanism underlying the various criminogenic risk factors that have been identified for an individual” wherein the “targets for intervention would see trauma and mental health symptomology being addressed alongside, or in advance of, offense-focused work; and the intervention itself would go beyond symptom-based strategies aimed at changing cognitions and building behavioral skills” (Fritzon et al, 2020, p. 14). Essentially, for trauma-exposed youth, criminogenic needs (and accompanying delinquency) are likely symptoms of the underlying trauma, rather than causes of the delinquency.…”

“…The current study examines whether receiving matched services and optimal treatment dosages during juvenile justice residential placements is as advantageous for reductions in dynamic risk during placement, as well as reductions in subsequent reoffending post-release for juveniles with heightened traumatic exposure as it is for those without such trauma histories. These research questions are premised on the heightened prevalence of traumatic exposure among juvenile offenders relative to the general population (e.g., Dierkhising et al, 2013), and that most, if not all of the RNR espoused major risk factors for offending have been empirically linked to traumatic exposure (Fritzon et al, 2020). The prevalence of trauma and experiencing multiple traumatic exposures and the associations of traumatic exposure with those risk factors targeted through intervention and treatment through the RNR framework necessitate examination of whether these current best practice standards aimed specifically to reduce offending serve youth exposed to significant trauma as well as they serve those with no or little childhood adversity.…”

Risk, rights and deservedness: Navigating the tensions of Gladue, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and settler colonialism in Canadian courts

“…More recently, Hannah‐Moffatt and Maurutto ( 2010 ) compared PSR and Gladue reports and found that there are serious incompatibilities between the risk‐based approach integral to PSR and the considerations of culture and context, dislocation and discrimination that are central to Gladue reports and requirements. These concerns have been exacerbated by research indicating that RNR models are characterized by gender bias and when administered by personnel unaware of these biases and lacking in trauma awareness, may directly negatively impact the accuracy of assessments and resulting service delivery (Fritzon et al., 2021 ; Taxman & Smith, 2020 ). Most importantly, this small but important body of research documents that ‘actuarial risk‐based approaches are more likely to result in PSR options that reinforce high rates of incarceration’ (Hannah‐Moffatt & Maurutto, 2010 , p. 280)—something that conflicts directly with the remedial goals of Gladue and may render PSR a questionable vehicle for Gladue information.…”