Integrating RNR with Desistance: Is Working Towards Something a Better Way of Evolving?
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SESSION INFO

Monday, January 31, 2022
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Session Type: Workshop
The risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model has been widely regarded as the premier model for guiding assessment and treatment for justice-involved individuals. The RNR model underlies some of the most widely used risk-needs instruments and often drives much of the work across the country. As we dig into the RNR models, one of the questions is how do we move people forward when focusing on risk. This is where we see an increasing interest in crime desistance, the process by which justice-involved individuals move out of criminal activity. This strength-based work has gained momentum and is sure to continue to evolve as more research is done in this area. This event is designed as an interactive journey to help participants think about the RNR and desistance models and how they impact the lives of staff and individuals in the corrections system. Participants will gain insight into the understanding of RNR and desistance, where there are consistencies across models and where the concepts diverge. Ultimately, this forum will provide a starting point to continue having conversations over the next year as to how we can best improve our practices.

SESSION PRESENTERS
Dr. Brian Lovins
Principal, Justice System Partners


Dr. Lovins earned his PhD in Criminology from the University of Cincinnati. He is currently president-elect for the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA). Prior to JSP, Dr. Lovins worked for Harris County CSCD as the assistant director. He was tasked with developing and implementing agency wide change plans to drive increased successful completion rates. In addition, he was the associate director for the University of Cincinnati's Corrections Institute— the School of Criminal Justice's training and research department. He has developed a state-wide juvenile risk assessment (Ohio Youth Assessment System: OYAS) and adult risk assessment (Ohio Risk Assessment System: ORAS), as well as validation of a series of pretrial risk assessments. Dr. Lovins has been invited to present to over 200 agencies and routinely delivers trainings on the principles of effective intervention, risk assessment, and the delivery of cognitive-behavioral interventions.