According to the need principle, what should be targeted in order to reduce recidivism?

The need principle emphasizes the importance of addressing an offender's criminogenic needs to effectively reduce recidivism. Criminogenic needs are the factors that directly contribute to a person's criminal behavior. By identifying and targeting these specific needs, interventions can be more tailored and impactful, thereby reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

Focusing on an offender’s criminogenic needs allows for a personalized approach to rehabilitation, ensuring that the underlying issues contributing to their criminal behavior are adequately addressed. This can include factors such as substance abuse, lack of education, or poor social skills. By effectively targeting these areas, the likelihood of behavioral change improves, leading to lower rates of recidivism.

In contrast, general rehabilitation programs may not address specific needs, community service might not tackle underlying issues that lead to crime, and while employment readiness skills are valuable, they are only one aspect of the broader spectrum of criminogenic needs. Addressing these more comprehensive elements ensures that interventions are more holistic and effective in fostering a long-lasting positive change for offenders.