Recidivism

Question 1

What is recidivism

Answer 1

It is reoffending following judicial punishment

Question 2

What % of offenders under 18 were reconvicted within a year

Answer 2

67%

Question 3

What are the 3 reasons why recidivism rates are so high

Answer 3

Prisoners becoming institutionalised
Non adherence to behaviourist principles
Mental health and addiction issues.

Question 4

Explain prisoners becoming institutionalised

Answer 4

Basic physical needs are met in prisons.
Can develop a sense of belonging and a friendship with other inmates.
Can develop a role, identify and feel less pressure.
There is a lack of support following release.
Lack of employment, issues with family

Question 5

Explain non adherence to behaviourist principles.

Answer 5

Punishment is likely to work if it is straight after the event.
If it does not, the punishment and crime do not coincide.
The connection is then weak.

Question 6

Explain mental health and addiction issues

Answer 6

Reoffending is more likely if the prisoner is suffering from MH.
May develop MH issues in prison.
Addiction is also linked to crime rates.
If these problems are not fully addressed, the offender is highly likely to reoffend.

Question 7

A03 self report measures from offenders are problematic.
Explain

Answer 7

Reoffenders may have a tendency to blame the ‘system’ rather than themselves.
Reoffenders are found to be more likely to have an external locus of control. This mean they will blame everything other than themselves.

Question 8

A03 of recidivism is post-release environment.
Explain

Answer 8

There is normally little to no support e.g poverty.
This may be responsible for higher rates of recidivism rather than prison itself.

Question 9

A03: recidivism rates are based upon those caught and processed through the court system.
Explain

Answer 9

The figures are likely to be much higher.
Individuals have not been caught
Crimes go undetected. Etc.
Not an accurate overview.