Appropriate Services: Examining the Case Classification Principle

This study analyzes whether appropriate service delivery, defined as risk level appropriate treatment and supervision services, reduces recidivism. Utilizing a dataset collected for the purpose of evaluating Intensive Supervision Programs, this project analyzes whether high risk offenders are supervised at higher rates than low risk offenders. Additionally, this study examines whether the higher rate of service and supervision reduces rates of reoffending among these two groups. Results suggest that recidivism rates are reduced by allocating appropriate services among the high risk offenders, but not low risk offenders. These results add to the growing body of literature supporting the risk principle and appropriate service delivery. Policy implications of this study suggest that correctional programs focus on risk level and consider this risk when allocating services. [(C) 2006 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.]