FULL PDF
Abstract
During imprisonment unescorted temporary absence (TA) is intended to prepare the clients for social reintegration. This can help to determine the extent to which risk factors that have been identified in intramural settings may become apparent under extramural conditions or may have already changed. Furthermore, TA is associated with a reduced risk of recidivism and increases the chances in both housing and employment. In a sample of 139 male inmates of the sociotherapeutic correctional facility Hamburg, who had already been released, this study examined predictors for receiving and withdrawing TA. Furthermore, the study investigated how receiving and withdrawing TA is associated with resocialization goals at the time of release (residence, employment, treatment success). A German citizenship and external protective factors (assessed with SAPROF [Structured Assessment of Protective Factors for violence risk]) are associated with receiving TA, whereas more risk factors (assessed with R-scale, HCR-20 [Historical Clinical Risk Management-20]) and, surprisingly, motivational protective factors (SAPROF) are associated with reduced likelihood of receiving TA. Regarding withdrawals of TA, the length of imprisonment and more risk factors (R-scale, HCR-20) are associated with increased likelihood, whereby age is associated with a decreased likelihood. Inmates who receive and maintain TAs are more likely to be employed at the time of release and more likely to complete treatment successfully. Results are discussed in the light of the legal context for TA and the risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model.
View more >>