Outcome review of Choices, Actions, Relationships and Emotions (CARE): Provision for women offenders with complex needs
| Published date | 01 December 2019 |
| Author | Rachel Reed |
| Date | 01 December 2019 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0264550519884790 |
| Subject Matter | Research & reports |
Research & reports
Research & reports
Outcome review of Choices, Actions, Relationships and
Emotions (CARE): Provision for women offenders with
complex needs
Conducted in 2015, this study utilises both qualitative and quantitative research
methods to review the short-term outcomes for women completing the Choices,
Actions, Relationships and Emotions (CARE) programme in HMP Foston Hall and
HMP New Hall. Aimed at women who have a history of violence, complex needs,
and a medium risk of reconviction, CARE was designed in response to an identified
gap in provision for women convicted of interpersonal violence and seeks to reduce
reoffending by helping women to gain insight into their thoughts feelings and
behaviours, manage their emotions, problem-solve, and develop a prosocial
identity.
The programme uses an integrated model of change which incorporates the biop-
sychosocial model (Mann and Carter, 2012); risk, need, and responsivity principles
(Andrews and Bonta, 2013); and desistance from crime literature (Maruna, 1999).
Programme content is delivered using multidisciplinary and integrative techniques
including cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness, emotion
approachcoaching, andprosocial modelling.Alongside the programme,a mentoring
and advocacy service supports the women with resettlement plans in areas such as
employment, accommodation, finance,and family services.
This study utilises data from 92 of the 99 women who completed the programme
between April 2011 and March 2015 (95%completion rate) and seeks to evaluate
the experiences and short-term outcomes for this cohort. Participants ranged in age
from 19 to 62 (mean age 35) and the majority identified as White (84%). Pre- and
post-programme psychometrics were used, specifically the State-Trait Anger
Expression Inventory (STAXI-2) and Coping Styles Questionnaire (CSQ-3) along-
side records of institutional behaviour, post-programme questionnaires, focus
groups, and interviews with staff members.
Overall findings were suggestive of positive short-term outcomes for those com-
pleting the programme. Statistically significant differences between pre- and post-
programme psychometric scores were found in the majority of programme targets,
specifically emotional management, coping styles, and anger management. Sig-
nificant reductions in proven adjudications in the 12-month period following
The Journal of Community and Criminal Justice
Probation Journal
2019, Vol. 66(4) 464–467
ªThe Author(s) 2019
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DOI: 10.1177/0264550519884790
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