The tendency of most systems is to place offenders in the first available treatment slots, but often, the available "slot" is unsuitable for the needs or risk level of the offender. By using information gathered for targeting purposes, more informed decisions can be made about the type of offender who should be placed in residential, intensive outpatient and outpatient programs.

Even more important, treatment should be matched with the level of supervision needed (e.g., curfews, house arrest or electronic monitoring), to control the behavior of the offender while he or she is undergoing treatment.