Risk, Need, Responsivity (RNR): A New Focus on Improving Outcomes for Behavioral Health Treatment

Location: Flores 1-2 Session Description: Application of the Risk-Need-Responsivity framework (RNR) has been shown to be effective in reducing recidivism rates in a variety of criminogenic populations. Utilization of RNR and including those receiving mental health services allows for a variety of therapeutic interventions and can enhance overall outcomes.

“Over one million individuals with serious mental illness are under some form of correctional supervision in the U.S. Even with specialized programs in place, offenders with mental illness are substantially more likely than their healthier counterparts to recidivate” (Skeem & Peterson, 2011). For many justice-involved individuals, utilization of mental health services is recommended and can positively impact their reintegration success. The impacts mental health concerns have on an individual’s ability to recover are diverse, and treatment organizations can effectively take part in reduction of recidivism by including RNR.

Responsivity concerns that may impede an intervention’s effectiveness can include cognitive ability, motivation, maturity, the client’s personal and interpersonal circumstances, and mental health concerns.

Addressing mental health related responsivity factors requires a collaborative approach, including community supervision officers, mental health organizations, treatment providers, and various other stakeholders invested in community safety and good mental health treatment. Training on mental health related responsivity factors is key to the success of all parties involved in this process.

As our clients transition back to their communities, continued adherence to RNR practices is pivotal to their success. “Research over the past several decades provides that fidelity to Risk–Need–Responsivity and core correctional practice can reduce recidivism among the community correctional population” (Gleicher, 2020).