This rapid review synthesized the best available evidence on the effectiveness of Canadian prison-based sex offender treatment programs in preventing recidivism. Its sampling frame of 18 previous worldwide systematic and or meta-analytic reviews, as well as a host of computerized research literature databases, was searched using a broad keyword search scheme until January 2026. Nine studies of 3,568 male sexual offenders were included for analysis, all observational quasi-experiments that most typically followed their participants for 11.5 years. In support of the primary study hypothesis, the pooled, sample-weighted risk ratio of 0.40 (95% confidence interval 0.29, 0.56) seemed strong evidence that such sex offender treatment programs may be highly effective in preventing sexual reoffending. This preventive fraction estimates that they may prevent as many as 60% of all such sexual offenses that might otherwise be perpetrated by such men after their release back into communities. A systematically replicating study using the most recent clinical methods as well as the most rigorous, randomized controlled methods, is recommended. It would go a long way to inspire all, policy makers to publics, of the practical benefits of sex offender treatment programs in prisons, for both the offenders themselves and the communities they return to.
Deflection and diversion programs provide an opportunity for justice-involved persons with mental health and substance use disorders to avoid incarceration as well as receive individualized treatment through the utilization of community resources. The current study employs an implementation science approach using the Exploration Preparation Implementation and Sustainment (EPIS) framework to examine enablers and barriers present when implementing diversion and deflection programs in a southeastern state. Seven law enforcement jurisdictions across the state were visited, and an implementation planning guide was used for conducting interviews and recording observations with implementation leaders, program staff, law enforcement leadership, and community partners. This study provides insight into how such programs are created and planned from Exploration to Sustainment, with an emphasis on successful implementation strategies. The findings demonstrate variation across sites regarding available resources, officer buy-in, and level of community support, among other factors.
Family engagement for incarcerated persons is a central feature of U.S. correctional policy designed to maintain social ties and improve correctional outcomes during and post imprisonment. Research on prison contact has focused primarily on in-person visitation despite the range of modes of communication available to incarcerated people. Further, minimal attention has been given to how contact frequency relates to relationship quality. Using interview data from 169 incarcerated men and women across three state prison systems (320 adult relationships), we examined 1) how frequently incarcerated individuals use five modes of contact-in-person visits, video visits, phone calls, e-mail/e-messaging exchange, and written mail-and 2) how contact frequency is associated with relationship quality (i.e., openness to communication, relationship happiness, hostility, and rejection). Results from multilevel mixed-effects models reveal modes of contact varied in frequency of use and in their association with relationship quality, with phone calls, e-mail/e-messaging exchange, and written mail as the most consequential forms of contact for relationship quality. Findings highlight the importance of expanding research beyond visitation to include contemporary modes of prison contact and implementing strategies that improve relationship quality.
