Offender Behaviour Change and Rehabilitation (PSY524)

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.

• Introduction to the offender rehabilitation
• The RNR model (Risk Principle)
• The RNR model (Needs & Responsivity Principle)
• The Good Lives model
• Desistance
• Offender motivation and readiness
• Transformational & trauma-informed environments
• Applied research with correctional populations
• Programme development, implementation & evaluation
• Community Corrections
• Partnering communities & reintegration
• Future directions of Corrections

• 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.