Risk, Need, Responsivity (RNR) Tool

Principal Investigators:

April Pattavina and James Byrne 

Funding Source: George Mason University and Bureau of Justice Assistance

The purpose of this project is to develop a nationally based discrete-event simulation (DES)  model that examines changes in recidivism outcomes between the current, largely unstructured system of offender treatment in prison settings and one that reflects a system based on the principals of the Risk Need Responsivity model of correctional treatment.  The model uses inputs derived from national data collection efforts in combination with input parameters derived from evidence based practices in corrections. The results of model testing will be presented and used to explore various “what if” scenarios intended to explore the impact of changes in key system inputs consistent with an RNR model of treatment delivery on recidivism levels.