The most appropriate needs assessment methodology for James is the use of the existing data about him. Different individuals and institutions already have information about James, and they may use it to undertake a needs assessment on him. The supervisor who was in charge of him during the previous supervision period has information about James that he can present for the need assessment process. During this time, James broke into vehicles and was as well deviant of most of the night curfews. He was also fond of violating the community supervision conditions for his previous period of supervision. Another set of information that is available regarding James is available from the community supervision manager, namely Mr. Jones. One may compare these two sets of information when performing the needs assessment activity.
Application of the need assessment to James
The needs assessment can be applied to James to determine his appropriateness for community reentry and the things that he needs for him to be considered fit for it. Looking at the information that is available for James, he needs to undergo corrective measures that will see him being in a position where he will be deemed fit to join the community. For instance, James showcased some traits of the crime of drug abuse and also failed to comply with some of the conditions that he was supposed to meet during the prior supervision period, such as night curfews. In other words, among the needs that James presents in the process of determining his appropriateness to join the community as informed by the available information about him are associated with changing his deviant behaviors and drug use problem.
Risk assessment for the client
From the information that is available about James, he is said to be at a low risk in various areas that he has been assessed. Among these areas include compliance with laws in the community and the use of drugs. Therefore, if released to the community, there is the risk that he may engage in the use of drugs and substances, something that may majorly affect his interaction with the community members and how safe people may feel when around him. If the community realizes that there is the risk of James not complying with the rules set to him or set for the community, it may tend to view him as one who may be a challenge to them as far as adhering to these rules is concerned. The fact that James has been serving a jail term of eleven years, in addition to the risk assessment, showcases that he is at risk of defying the community rules. Additionally, James has been engaging in breaking into vehicles, and therefore, there is a risk of him engaging in the theft of other people’s properties once he is released to society.
Recommendations
The program elements that James may require to undergo include drug abuse treatment as well as the incorporation of education as residential programs in the corrective facility. Drug abuse is a problem that James faces, and there are chances that it may be a risk to his behavior. According to Choi & Kruis (2021), the treatment of drug abuse may help an offender in reducing their deviant behavior that may be attributed to the lack of proper judgment. Additionally, James may require receiving education in a program that will see him being in a position to meet his needs. It may be thought that there are some knowledge gaps that James suffers that render him engaging severally in deviant behaviors. Incorporation of education in the correction facilities increases the chances of meeting the offender’s knowledge needs regarding their crimes and how they can stay safe from them (UNESCO, 2021).
Program Recommendations
It may be recommended that James undergoes corrective measures, including therapeutic interventions, to change his behavior from that of being defiant. The program that James may require to undergo includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which is aimed at making a change in his behavior. James is suffering from a recurring behavior of recidivism which makes him engage in deviant activities, especially when it comes to following orders. Cognitive behavioral therapy may be of assistance in changing his behavior and encouraging him to adopt a different and favorable behavior that is based on adherence to rules. According to Rose (2022), undergoing cognitive behavior therapy has been proven to prevent or decrease cases of subsequent offending behaviors. If James has a plan with his therapist on how he will be attending therapy sessions, with time, he may change his deviant behavior.
References
Choi, J., & Kruis, N. E. (2021). Low self-control, substance-using peers and intimate partners, pro-drug use definitions, and inhalant use among convicted offenders in South Korea. Journal of Drug Issues, 51(1), 128-142.
Rose, K. (2022). The role of cognitive change in desistance from crime: do cognitive-behavioral programs spark cognitive change and resistance? Journal of Crime and Justice, 45(2), 152-170.
UNESCO (2021). Education in prison- A literature review. UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning.
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