Three Must Have Resources from NIC

Scott — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:22:00 GMT

The following NIC publications are must have resources for anyone working with the offender population. In addition, these publications compliment the Offender Workforce Development Specialist training and the Offender Employment Specialist training. Click on the title for each publication to be directed to the download page.

Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment: A Review and Discussion for Corrections Professionals - Detailed information regarding the use and benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in prisons and jails is provided. Chapters comprising this guide address: the increasing need for effective treatment services; what cognitive-behavioral therapy is; prominent CBT programs for offenders; measuring the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs; evaluating specific CBT curricula; and "real world" program applications.

Motivating Offenders to Change: A Guide for Probation and Parole - This publication "provides probation and parole officers and other correctional professionals with both a solid grounding in the principles behind MI [motivational interviewing] and a practical guide for applying these principles in their everyday dealings with offenders" (p.2). Seven chapters are contained in this guide: how MI fits in with evidence-based practice; how and why people change; the motivational interviewing style; preparing for change; building motivation for change; navigating through tough times--working with deception, violations, and sanctions; and from start to finish--putting MI into practice.

Gender-Responsive Strategies: Research, Practice, and Guiding Principles for Women Offenders - Guidance for those individuals "seeking to more effectively respond to the behavior and circumstances of the female offender" is offered (p. iv). An executive summary and the following four chapters comprise this manual: characteristics of women in the criminal justice system -- a descriptive summary; women offenders and criminal justice practice; the context of women's lives -- a multidisciplinary review of research and theory; and a new vision -- guiding principles for a gender-responsive criminal justice.

Offender Employment : Motivational Interviewing

Three Must Have Resources from NIC