III. Appropriate Services for Stages of Change

Contemplation:

At this stage, an offender acknowledges that there is a problem but is indifferent. Usually, he/she is hesitant to make a change because he/she perceives it as hopeless or unattainable. Ambivalence can be overcome with proper education, such as drug education classes and attention to motivation. Educating offenders about how to overcome different problems can assist in increasing the offenders' efficacy in the possibility of change. Another useful tool is a "Benefits & Consequences Analysis." This B&C analysis weighs the positive and negative aspects of a behavior. Offenders are asked to list the pros and cons of their behavior and to conduct a self-assessment of their circumstances. One goal of a B&C analysis is for offenders to see that the negative consequences outweigh the positive benefits of their behavior. This readies the offender for change.