The CARE programme: an accredited offending behaviour programme specifically for female offenders at risk of violence
| Date | 12 October 2015 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-02-2015-0164 |
| Published date | 12 October 2015 |
| Pages | 275-286 |
| Author | Natalie Smith,Jenny Tew,Prina Patel |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Aggression, conflict & peace |
The CARE programme: an accredited
offending behaviour programme
specifically for female offenders
at risk of violence
Natalie Smith, Jenny Tew and Prina Patel
Natalie Smith is Clinical Lead for
CARE, Jenny Tew is Quality
and Outcomes Specialist and
Prina Patel is Quality and
Outcomes Associate, all at the
Interventions Services, National
Offender Management Service,
London, UK.
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to outline the development, structure and implementation of the
Choices, Actions, Relationships and Emotions (CARE) programme.
Design/methodology/approach –This paper will present some of the background to the programme, its
aims, structure and delivery methods and the nature of the treatment population to date.It will also reflect on
some of the lessons learnt through the development and implementation of the programme and the
challenges faced in evaluating its impact. Plans for its future evaluation and development are discussed.
Findings –Female offenders represent a distinct group with particular treatment and responsivity needs.
These have traditionally been accommodated in programmes developed for male offenders, adapted slightly
to meet their needs. CARE represents a distinct approach, designed specifically for the needs of female
offenders with a history of violence and complex presentations.
Originality/value –CARE is a relatively new programme and this is the first paper to outline its structure
and content.
Keywords Mindfulness, CARE programme, Female offenders, Narrative therapy,
Offending behaviour programmes, Violent offenders
Paper type General review
Introduction
Over the last five years in England and Wales, women have accounted for 15 per cent of
offenders under supervision in the community, as a result of community and suspended
sentence orders, and 5 per cent of the prison population (Ministry of Justice, 2013). While they
may make up the minority of offenders, the number of women convicted of violent offences is on
the increase with over 907 women serving sentences in England and Wales involving violence
against the person in June 2013 (Ministry of Justice, 2013). Studies exploring the nature of
women’s use of violence have found it to be less visible than that of men’s, with more offences
being committed against known victims such as partners and children. It has also been found to
be less serious in terms of physical injury and more reactive in expression, rather than sexual and
instrumental; being typically driven more by emotional and relational jealousy (Fusco et al., 2011).
In addition, women’s behaviour within forensic settings such as prisons can also be problematic.
Incarcerated women are ten times more likely to self-harm compared to male prisoners
Received 17 February 2015
Revised 28 March 2015
Accepted 16 June 2015
The authors would like to thank
the staff and participants involved
in the delivery of CARE for their
continued hard work in turning
theory into practice and supporting
the ongoing development of the
Programme.
DOI 10.1108/JACPR-02-2015-0164 VOL. 7 NO. 4 2015, pp.275- 286,© Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1759-6599
j
JOURNAL OF AGGRESSION, CONFLICTAND PEACERESEARCH
j
PAG E 27 5
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