III. Changing Criminal Behaviors

With this understanding of the stages of change, staff is able to assess an offender's current stage of change and develop a supervision plan that minimizes the chances of recidivism.

The better staff are prepared to identify an offender's stage of change, the more appropriate and effective supervision can be.

Staff help offenders move from one stage to another by promoting positive movement.

The offender should reach a point at which he is willing and committed to an action plan aimed at changing his behavior, and ultimately, a point at which he has the skills to keep him/herself out of trouble without the supervision of the state.