Course Summary
Mental and substance use disorders are more prevalent among persons in jails than they are in the general population, and people with severe mental illnesses are several times more likely to be found in jails than in hospitals. In Colorado, reports suggest that more than 50% of people in county jails have a serious mental illness. Nationwide, estimates suggest that approximately a million persons with behavioral health conditions are encountered by correctional staff across jails and prisons on any given day, and several million each year. Both people with and without behavioral health conditions exhibit appreciable rates of criminal recidivism following release from incarceration, and those with substance use disorders or co-occurring (substance use and mental) disorders tend to display the highest rates of recidivism.
The Risk–Need–Responsivity model (RNR) is a promising framework for reducing criminal recidivism in this population. This course equips Colorado clinicians in jail and outpatient settings with the awareness and knowledge needed to commit to RNR’s overarching and organizational principles as a foundation for services poised to reduce recidivism. Participants will also examine how to use RNR’s core principles to inform services. Additionally, participants will examine RNR’s structured assessment, program delivery, and staff practices principles to further inform how and what to assess, decision-making about the intensity of services, and how to effectively interact with clients and maintain them in services. Upon conclusion, participants will be better prepared to synthesize the philosophy of RNR with the values of the behavioral health system.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Implement RNR's overarching and organizational principles as a foundation for services.
- Utilize RNR's core principles to inform services.
- Utilize RNR’s structured assessment, program delivery, and staff practices principles to further inform services.
Learning Audience
This course is designed for Colorado behavioral health professionals working in jail or outpatient settings.
Continuing Education Credits
This course is eligible for Continued Education Units (CEU) upon completion, which are awarded as follows:
- 1 CE credit awarded per (1) hour of completed learning
The University of Colorado is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The University of Colorado maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Questions about CEU credits?
Course Duration
Content Contributors
- Christopher M. King, JD, PhD
