The RNR model approaches have also been shown to be effective among female offenders (Dowden & Andrews, 1999). However, evidence proposes that, even though the integrity and obedience to RNR principles is crucial to reducing recidivism (Lowenkamp, Latessa, & Smith, 2006), significant barriers may exist when trying to accurately implement those principles in the RNR model (Reisig, Holtfreter & Morash, 2006). Despite these weaknesses, the Council of State Governments Justice Center in the United States of America (2013) has described the RNR model as the most effective …show more content…
Research also found that treatment services following all the RNR principles were related to the greatest reductions in recidivism, while treatment options that rated as inappropriate had the weakest effects (Dowden & Andrews, 1999). Effect sizes were also larger when needs related to associates and peers, attitudes, self-control, and family and family process were targeted than when they were not (Dowden & Andrews, 1999). The meta-analysis advises that much of criminogenic needs identified for male offenders are also appropriate for female offenders. Dowden and Andrews also found that targeting vague personal/ emotional issues and other non-RNR based treatment targets were associated with no reduction in recidivism. In fact, non-criminogenically focused family interventions were associated with an increase in recidivism (Dowden & Andrews,