Understanding ‘What Works’: Accredited Cognitive Skills Programmes for Young Offenders

Abstract

This research assessed effectiveness of prison-based cognitive skills programmes for young offenders in England and Wales, using reconviction as the outcome measure. Reconviction rates were compared between offenders who started a programme (N= 1,534) and a matched comparison group who did not (N= 1,534). Programme participation did not lead to a statistically significant reduction in reconviction, at one- or two-years following discharge. However, when offenders who dropped out of a programme and their matched comparisons were excluded from analysis, the one-year reconviction rate for programme completers was statistically significantly lower (p <0.05).