The Risk, Need, and Responsivity (RNR) model is widely used in criminology to assess the risks and needs posed by sex offenders and determine the environment in which they should be placed. The basic principle is the risk, according to which “intensity of correctional interventions must be matched to the level of risk posed by the offender” (Yates, 2013, p. 89). The Need principle states that it is critical to address the offender’s criminal needs, that is, to target specific risk factors to prevent them (Yates, 2013). Finally, the responsivity principle posits that intervention should take into account the specifics of the offer, including “language, culture, personality style, intelligence, anxiety levels, learning styles, and cognitive abilities” (Yates, 2013, p. 90). Thus, this model makes it possible to adequately assess the potential threats posed by the offeror and develop interventions.
In order to properly assess risks and choose a suitable intervention strategy, it is necessary to study the behavior patterns of offerors. This is critical because “the etiology of sexual offender behaviors is extremely complex and multifaceted” (Evans & Ward, 2019, p. 1). In this case, it is possible to more accurately determine the risks they pose, which is consistent with the three principles of RNR. In particular, the study of the cognitive response of offenders to various sexual materials allows criminologists to identify their inclinations and behavior patterns (TEDx Talks, 2017). Based on the results obtained, later, specific therapy can be selected, heaped on addressing the particular needs of each offender. In this case, it is important that this method allows you to identify the individual inclinations of each person and, on their basis, create the most effective program.
References
Evans, C. T., & Ward, C. (2019). Counseling sex offenders and the importance of counselor self-care. Cogent Social Sciences, 5(1), 1-10. Web.
TEDx Talks. (2017). How I assess sexual offenders | Patrice Renaud | TEDxBucharest [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Yates, P. M. (2013). Treatment of sexual offenders: Research, best practices, and emerging models. International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 8(3-4), 89-95.