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The (dubious?) benefits of second chances in batterer intervention programs
Katreena Scott1, Colin King, Holly McGinn
1University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. kscott@oise.utoronto.ca
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|January 2, 2013
Summary
Batterer intervention programs face a dilemma with client dropout. While risk management urges sanctions, change theory supports multiple chances. Reinstating clients shows high dropout but some success, with significant resource costs.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Psychology
- Social Work
Background:
- Conflicting recommendations exist regarding client dropout in batterer intervention programs (BIPs).
- Risk management emphasizes sanctions for non-compliance, while change theory advocates for multiple treatment engagement opportunities.
- Understanding dropout and reinstatement is crucial for effective program design and client outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine program dropout, reinstatement, and completion rates in a sample of probation-mandated clients in a BIP.
- To compare the characteristics of clients who complete on the first attempt versus those who are reinstated.
- To evaluate the effectiveness and costs associated with offering clients multiple opportunities to complete the program.
Main Methods:
- A consecutive sample of 294 probation-mandated clients in a large BIP was studied.
- Data collected over a 2-year follow-up period included dropout, reinstatement, and completion rates.
- Resource costs for client reinstatement were quantified, including calls and meetings.
Main Results:
- 53.7% of clients completed the program on their first attempt.
- 73 clients were reinstated once, 23 twice, and 5 three or more times.
- Despite high re-dropout rates (56-80%), 43.7% of reinstated clients eventually completed the program, at a significant resource cost.
Conclusions:
- Reinstated clients share more similarities with those who fail to complete than those who succeed initially.
- Providing multiple chances for program completion can lead to eventual success for a subset of clients.
- Program policies must balance risk management principles with change theory approaches to address client dropout effectively.
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