Why problem solve?

The ability to solve problems is essential to everyday activities. Often offenders have never learned how to methodically address problems in their everyday lives. Decisions then are made that lead the offender back to criminal behavior. Effectively managing a problem can keep a person from committing a crime or taking drugs. The six steps that are most typical include: identifying the goal; assessing current circumstances; identifying different options and solutions; analyzing solutions; selecting a strategy; and developing an action plan. Part of the modeling of prosocial behavior is to teach offenders the problem-solving model. Supervision staff should teach offenders how to move through the steps toward resolution of a problem by considering different options. An effective way to teach is to model the skills, and explain how the steps apply to life overall and supervision specifically.