case formulation Flashcards
what is a case formulation
They are used in the justice system to help understand the origin and cause of criminal behaviour. they are developed collaboratively between psychologist and patient to plan effective treatment.
why are case formulations used?
when an offender has complex problems and treatment is unclear
unusual crimes/ lack of awareness or understanding
when treatment has failed (recidivism)
offender is not benefiting from current treatment
to help other professionals understand the offender such as the judge or social worker.
who uses a CF
Offenders after conviction or judges, police officers.
what is offence analysis
understanding reasons why someone has offended and completing a risk assessment to understand the likelihood of recidivism (risk to themselves/the public).
conclusions are draw from other offenders with similar crimes to find contingencies.
find a likely cause of criminality ie parents/role models, brain injury or genetics
links that may help the understanding of offending behaviour such as education, employment. life style, drug missus, attitude and thinking.
identifying internal/external motivators
How is risk analysis carried out
scenario planning typically for serious and violent offenders
worse case scenario - high levels of violence
best case scenario - low levels of violence
phase one of CF is …
FACT FINDER
The offence is analysed to gain insight into motivation, understanding the offenders core beliefs and what triggers their behaviour ie alcohol or confrontation.
phae 2 of CF is …
applying a psychological theory to the offenders behaviour ie a rapist may have experienced sexual abuse themselves so you could apply psychodynamic approach to explain the offending
it is not an excuse but a way of understanding what compels them to do it.
phase 3 of CF is …
establish some form of intervention programme or treatment plan. it should reflect how likely the offender is to reoffend, the likelihood of sticking to the programme.
The HCPC guidelines give standardisation.
outline how the HCPC are used in CF
good communication and clear language is use
remain unbiased and non discriminatory towards offender
regularly reviewing the case formulation to ensure good practice.
understanding of key concepts, issues and new practises
give research to support cf
McKnight 1984 found that case formulations were able to predict the correct treatment for offenders that would be most effective for them. so they have predictive validity.
give research aginst CF
Minodis et al found that even with training probation officers didn’t feel confident with all aspects of psychological case meaning if not used properly it may have limited value in changing outcomes in respect to offenders future behaviours
