Many programs reported using several of the targets, potentially leading to quite heterogeneous groups regarding treatment needs. The survey also asked respondents to indicate specific selection criteria used to accept offenders into their program. Staff can review these results to confirm that the specific treatment needs of offenders selected to their programs are addressed in the program content. There appears to be considerable regional variation in selection criteria. On average, most programs consider current offences, but relatively few consider prior assaults or incorporate pretreatment test results into selection.
Similar breakdowns are available by security level, on request.
This latter decision makes intuitive sense given the emphasis on cognitive treatment strategies in these programs. It is also understandable that poorly motivated and resistant offenders will be disruptive in groups. Breakdowns by region, security level and setting are available and will be detailed in the final report. Waiting lists One measure of treatment needs is the number of offenders who have been referred for a particular program, but who have been placed on a waiting list until space permits their participation. The average number of offenders waiting for admission to a violent offender program is 40, although the range is from 3 to 169.