--- title: What is Risk-Need-Responsivity? description: The RNR model is an effective intervention framework for justice-involved populations. 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The model’s three core principles  – risk, need and responsivity  – are used to create interventions for justice populations to improve treatment outcomes and reduce recidivism in correctional and community settings. What does each principle do? - **Risk** Align the level of service to the individual's risk of recidivism. - **Need** Evaluate criminogenic needs and target them in treatment. - **Responsivity** Maximize the individual's ability to change behaviors and mindsets by providing treatment founded on EBPs while customizing support to the individual’s learning modality, motivations, abilities, gender, culture, strengths, etc. Unfortunately, [research indicates](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0093854818807505) that the model is more often used to manage risk rather than guide individual assessment and treatment. This can occur due to a gap in training for using RNR and/or inadequate resources to translate RNR into the “real world” (e.g., lacking the capacity to develop individualized treatment planning that accounts for the responsivity variables). However, the RNR model is only one component under the umbrella of [evidence-based practices for effective intervention](https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.nicic.gov/Library/019342.pdf). *Interactive Journaling*® curricula such as [Courage to Change](https://shop.changecompanies.net/collections/the-courage-to-change) tightly align to RNR and other principles of effective intervention. With training, *Interactive Journaling*® can be effectively implemented to address the responsivity principle, as well as enhance the individual’s intrinsic motivation and give guidance on structure for facilitators to provide measurement, feedback and support to clients. [![Discover Atlas Improving client engagement and motivation to change by 90%; Giving staff back 1 day/ week.   See how Atlas supports assessment, planning, intervention, documentation and measurement in a fully integrated system.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20881724/interactive-210836473477.png)](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLYSxlqxVvWdt3qfNryTVv%2Fsu52Qu%2BGiu9N1nS3Nzg%2BBSMKS0N0oDkOKNlGMAj3%2F0Y6qKWJufOM4fyZDgXmPntOp3DtvthzElQg7asWYyPS77tXeQlu5H0fLNhyYM3zIo1ZuvSyKNOjdIoY1r1C7FEZAqQ2HsNSHIw54nkhFuIhVmSJTEdF6DLkKP4%2F3mnmO%2FUo6mBVeeh8%2FVLpAEg%3D&webInteractiveContentId=210836473477&portalId=20881724) What can correctional agencies and community-based organizations using the RNR model do to improve? [Studies](https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/rsk-nd-rspnsvty/index-en.aspx#a6) show there are three keys to success with RNR implementation: 1. Lean into the vision that it is in the best interest of all to provide CBT treatment 2. Select, train and monitor staff with RNR assessments and related services 3. Create and enforce policies and organizational support for the RNR model Effective use of RNR can foster desistance. The study of desistance (why and how people stop committing crimes) is growing in sophistication through [measurement and study](https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/301498.pdf). By desisting, an individual chooses among alternatives, thereby creating a more law-abiding identity than one prone to law violation. Definitions are still evolving, but [the value](https://www.brookings.edu/research/a-better-path-forward-for-criminal-justice-fostering-desistance/) is clear. The challenge for research and policy to promote desistance is two-fold: a) to support such choices and underlying psychological processes and b) to improve structural conditions (such as labor and housing markets).   Fill the form to learn how [Atlas](https://changecompanies.net/atlas)accesses the journals and use these tools to improve staff efficiency:   ![The Change Companies](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Internal/Logos/Social%20Media%20Logo.png?width=150&name=Social%20Media%20Logo.png) #### The Change Companies For over 30 years, The Change Companies has delivered cutting-edge behavior change tools to over 26 million individuals in addiction treatment and justice services. We combine the latest change research with end-user feedback to continually improve the design and delivery of innovative solutions, such as our evidence-based practice of Interactive Journaling®, our programming platform, Atlas, and our live and on-demand skills-based training programs. 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