The Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) model in corrections is a standardized approach for assessing a person’s risk level for recidivism and their specific risk factors. It includes using standardized assessments to identify risk level (Risk); identifying which criminogenic needs, or risk factors, to target (Need); and providing evidence-based interventions that address the unique needs, motivations and abilities of the person (Responsivity).
Research has demonstrated that programs that apply the RNR model not only see a reduction in recidivism rates, but have better outcomes across a number of areas, and end up spending less money compared to “one size fits all” intervention approaches.
The challenge many agencies face is with the “responsivity” piece of the RNR model. Administering an assessment is one thing, but when staffing and resources are thin, how do you create a tailored case plan that focuses on addressing the unique combination of risk factors of each person served? This is where technology can help.
Using technology to enhance responsivity
Technology as an RNR tool can include digital communication for incarcerated individuals, behavioral intervention apps, or tools that support vocational training and education. Using technology as a responsivity tool can offer a number of benefits, including:
- Increasing the intensity of services for higher-risk individuals without increasing staff
- Providing a larger menu of highly tailored interventions that directly address a person’s risk factors
- Increasing access to interventions for individuals who live in remote or rural areas, have transportation challenges, or who are in restrictive housing in a prison setting
- Breaking down silos across the different stages of justice involvement, providing visibility on a person’s progress and a shared language for staff and participants from court to incarceration to community supervision
Across the most common risk factors, technology can be a supportive tool for more precise responsivity. Below are examples of how technology might help address the following dynamic risk factors:
- Cognitions
- Peer Relationships
- Vocational/Educational
- Substance Use
- Family Relationships
- Recreation & Leisure
Addressing Cognitions with technology
The Cognitions risk factor is one of the most common, and left unaddressed it is one of the most likely to lead to recidivism. Cognitions refers to the maladaptive thinking patterns or “thinking errors” that can lead to poor decision-making. The most widely used framework – and the most effective – for addressing these thinking patterns is cognitive-behavioral therapy. CBT programs have been shown to reduce recidivism by a range of 20 to 55 percent compared to control groups, and are most effective when combined with programs and interventions that address other risk factors.
Digital intervention tools that use a cognitive-behavioral approach can help individuals practice and improve their rational thinking skills outside of session time. Selecting tools that address both CBT and other risk factors can help individuals make connections between their other risk factors and their patterns of thinking.
Addressing Peer Relationships with technology
When individuals are able to leave unsupportive peer groups and form positive social connections, their opportunity to be successful in making positive change goes up significantly. Technology is one way that individuals can form connections with positive peers: whether by attending virtual or telehealth support groups or engaging in prosocial online forums.
Additionally, digital intervention tools can help individuals practice developing skillsets related to this risk factor – such as the skills of resisting social pressure, cultivating positive friendships, or building out a support network.
Addressing Vocational/Educational with technology
Research supports the idea that education and vocational training can increase the likelihood of desistance from crime. Even more effective than providing education alone, however, is providing opportunities for individuals to explore their individual strengths, skills and interests; developing soft skills to help them fit into a workplace culture; and building long-term plans for a career that will bring them fulfillment.
Digital intervention tools that provide career readiness resources like these can be offered as a prerequisite to vocational training or work release programs, ensuring that individuals have both the vocational skills to be successful and concrete goals and motivations to succeed in a long-term career.
Addressing Substance Use with technology
Substance use and justice involvement often go hand in hand. NIDA reports that roughly 65 percent of the U.S. prison population has an active substance use disorder.
Receiving effective treatment for substance use during justice involvement can increase a person’s likelihood of successful outcomes after release. Telehealth is one way that technology can increase access to addiction treatment services. Additionally, digital intervention tools that address not only risk factors but coping strategies for substance use can enable interagency collaboration and a whole-person approach to rehabilitation.
Addressing Family Relationships with technology
Individuals experiencing family conflict may find it challenging to get the support they need to make positive life changes. Prison-based programs that use technology to involve family members can increase the likelihood of successful family reintegration after release. Digital intervention tools may also help individuals learn how to manage expectations for family reintegration, learn strategies for strengthening family relationships, and hear the stories of others with similar family dynamics who have been successful.
Addressing Recreation and Leisure with technology
Boredom and poor use of free time puts individuals at risk for returning to criminal activity. Conversely, planned prosocial free time can not only help individuals form healthy connections but also decrease the risk of recidivism.
Technology can support prosocial use of free time by connecting individuals with local events, clubs, teams and activities they may want to participate in. With a bit of training on digital literacy, a wealth of information on prosocial hobbies and how to pursue them is also a click away on the internet.
Finally, digital intervention tools that address this risk factor may provide “in the moment” ideas for combating boredom and using free time prosocially.
Identifying technology resources to address RNR
While a range of digital tools exist to support correctional staff, Atlas is the only digital resource that provides a comprehensive library of engaging risk-need-responsive content — including a multimedia library and Interactive Journals — delivered in a HIPAA-compliant, mobile-first environment.
To learn more about Atlas and how it supports justice agencies like yours, download the Justice Services Atlas overview here.