The Urban Institute is a nationally respected think tank based in Washington D.C. that conducts social policy and related research (see www.urban.org). Urban Institute conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the Criminon program materials and their delivery resulting in a 48-page documented study.
The Urban Institute report analyzed the Criminon curricula against evidence-based best practices for rehabilitation known as “Moral Reconation Therapy” (MRT) and “Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy” (CBT). As reported in the study, the Criminon curriculum was verified to place a strong emphasis on positive behavior change for the individual and those around him.
Key Finding from the Urban Study
- Criminon is implemented in such a manner as to complement pre-existing correctional and reentry programming.
- It helps to increase the participant’s ability to behave in a prosocial manner, thus avoiding relapse into criminal behavior, substance-abusing behavior, and other antisocial behavior patterns.
- The program is consistent with elements of rehabilitative programs that focus on enhancing self-esteem, anger management, and non-violent conflict resolution, as well as limiting contact with those who engage in antisocial behaviors.
- It is highly adaptive depending on the characteristics of the population being targeted and the existing programs that are concurrently offered to its participants.
- It contains many elements of and is consistent with best-practice cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) rehabilitative approaches.
- As with CBT, it places a strong emphasis on positive behavior change through changes in the way one thinks about his or her own behavior and relationships and how those factors influence one’s own life and the lives of those around him/her.
- The Criminon Recognizing and Overcoming Antisocial Behavior curriculum is consistent with CBT approaches to prisoner rehabilitation, particularly those that focus on fostering healthy behavior patterns and relationships; reducing negative behaviors such as criminal activity, substance abuse, and risky sexual behaviors; and limiting contact with those who engage in such antisocial behaviors.
- The seven elements of treatment associated with Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) approaches are all addressed in the Criminon course curriculum.
A copy of the full Urban Institute report may be obtained upon request.