Offender Behaviour Change and Rehabilitation

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Offender Behaviour Change and Rehabilitation (PSY524)

Applications Open: To be confirmed

Applications Close: To be confirmed

Next Available Intake: To be confirmed

Course Types: To be confirmed

Language: English

Duration: 6 months

Fees: To be confirmed

Area of Interest: Humanities & Social Sciences

Schemes: To be confirmed

Funding: To be confirmed

School/Department: School of Humanities & Behavioural Sciences

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Synopsis

PSY524 Offender Behaviour Change and Rehabilitation covers the application of psychology to changing offender behaviour in the short and long term. Students will learn the major theoretical psychological theories and empirical research underpinning offender change and rehabilitation, and examine the strengths and limitations of these models. The application of theory to real-world situations will be covered with emphasis on influencing the offender environment and working with relevant stakeholders such as custodial and service staff, family members and community partners. Students will also learn how offender research informs practice and how practice is evaluated for ongoing evidence-informed service improvements. The course will explore the application of psychology to new and emerging technology to enhance interventions outcomes.

Level: 5
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every January

Topics

Introduction to the offender rehabilitation
Approaches to offender change 1: Introduction to the RNR Model and the Risk Principle
The RNR Model: The Needs Principle
The RNR Model: The Responsivity Principle and psychological models of change
Approaches to offender change 2: Good Lives Model & Desistance
Approaches to offender change 3: Gender responsive approaches in rehabilitation
Approaches to offender change 4: Utilising transformational and trauma-informed environments
Applied research with the correctional population
Programme development, implementation and evaluation
Working with staff in the correctional services
Working with adult offenders the community corrections and partnering community in reintegration
Future direction of corrections: Tech-based rehabilitation for offender change

Learning Outcome

Appraise the different theoretical approaches used in offender change work and their strengths and limitations.
Critique the role of research and programme evaluation in informing offender rehabilitation efforts.
Assess the value of collaboration across disciplines and with multiple stakeholders for more effective offender change outcomes.
Judge the influence of social and technological changes and their impact on offender change work.
Evaluate specific areas for intervention with offenders incorporating two or more models of offender change.
Design intervention plans utilizing evidence informed research and models of offender behaviour change.
Demonstrate skills in advocating the use of psychological principles in a multi-stakeholder context.