The key finding show that the relationship-based aspects of case management work with offenders cannot be both impersonal and effective. The results indicate that the case manager is integral to the engagement and completion of the program by offenders. The findings suggest that emerging frameworks for effective relationship-based case management work that combine a humanistic approach with approaches developed specifically for nonvoluntary settings should be more effective at reducing offender attrition than impersonal relationship approaches. Specification implications of the findings for case management practices are outlined, including how case managers should handle aspects of the working relationship, how they should prepare for the group work and create the program team, and how they should conduct contact and communication while the group is in progress. The Think First group is an accredited program for medium risk probationers that seek to reduce their risk of attrition. The group comprises 22 sessions with additional pre- and post-group work that focuses on participatory opportunities for members to learn prosocial skills. Evidence suggests that those who complete Think First and other accredited groups decrease their reoffending rate during the 2 years following program completion. The research focused specifically on the nature of the programs, the dynamics of relationship-based interventions, the noncompletion of groups, diversity issues, and case management. Specific research explored which case management practices supported probationers in completing the group work element of their programs. Semistructured interviews were completed with 8 case managers who discussed 21 probationers, 13 of whom had completed the Think First group and 8 who had dropped out prior to completion. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed for emerging themes. References