CRIMINOGENIC NEEDS OF THE OFFENDERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Criminogenic needs have come under the attention of those providing treatment interventions and services to offenders. During the last few years, there has been a shift in the method of treating offenders: from punishment to rehabilitation. Criminogenic needs, among many others, are viewed as primary intervention targets. It is very important to work on the criminogenic needs of offenders so that better work can be done on their rehabilitation. This paper presents review of important scholarly works that have been previously done on criminogenic needs and is also theoretical in nature. Through the writings of various authors, the paper makes one to understand the definition of criminogenic needs, why it is important in the rehabilitation of offenders and how it can be applied in creating psychological intervention programs. It therefore concentrated on understanding how criminogenic needs influence the behaviour of offenders in committing crimes.

It also analyses how addressing this issue will help further in reducing crime.  Focusing on criminogenic needs provides better possibilities to the offenders for living in a good manner or leading  worthwhile lives that takes into consideration each individual’s capacities, situations, inquisitiveness, and scopes. It also discusses the Risk-Needs-Responsivity Model that has emerged to be a dominant paradigm in the risk and needs assessment. The indication for practice and research of understanding more about criminogenic needs in treating offenders are considered.