Risk Needs Responsivity Workgroup

In 2011 and 2017, the Commission explored the feasibility of incorporating effective classification criteria such as risk and need assessments, responsivity, and professional discretion into the interstate compact transfer process. While it was decided that using these evidence-based principles to determine eligibility for interstate transfer was not feasible, there has been continued consensus that the Commission should explore their use in the return process.

Incorporating evidence-based principles often necessitates shifting fundamental ideologies away from a punitive viewpoint toward more therapeutic and rehabilitative philosophies. It also demonstrates a commitment to evidence-based approaches that have proven to be effective in reducing recidivism rates.

To accomplish this, the Executive Committee is establishing a workgroup to do the following:

1. Align the Compact’s training materials and resources with risk, need, and responsivity principles.

2. Determine the feasibility of incorporating risk, need, and responsivity principles in the decision-making process for retaking.

3. Determine what rules would be impacted by this change and prepare draft proposals for the rule committee’s consideration.

4. Address any concerns regarding the dependability of applying these principles to the decision-making process

Learn More About the RNR Framework Pilot