The paper claims that programs and services that work best in reducing recidivism possess the following features: (1) Theoretical soundness: based on an explicit and well-articulated model of the causes of crime, drawn from an empirically sound data base in psychology, criminology, and allied social sciences; (2) Risk assessment: with offenders assigned to different levels of supervision in accordance with this information; (3) Criminogenic needs: dynamic risk factors known to be linked to offending and which change over time; (4) Responsivity: including willingness to adapt services to individual differences in this respect; (5) Structure: clear objectives and skilled engagement by staff in tasks relevant to individual offenders’ needs; (6) Methods: largest and most consistent effects are obtained from application of a cognitive-behavioral approach; and (7) Program integrity: adherence by trained staff to appointed objectives and selected methods of intervention. References