Moral Reconation Therapy - Changing Minds in Adult Probation

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2019

ABSTRACT OF THE PROGRAM.Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) is a systematic, cognitive-behavioral step by step treatment strategy designed to enhance self-image, promote growth of a positive, productive identity and facilitate the development of higher states of moral reasoning while confronting the offender’s beliefs, attitudes and behaviors. The program started in the prison system in 1985 but is now being utilized for probation and parole clients. MRT was placed on the National Registry of Evidence–Based Programs and Practices in 2009. The Lake County Probation Division began utilizing MRT as a Substance Abuse Program in 2016 for drug court clients. In 2018 the probation department opened the program to all probationers as a treatment option to address substance abuse issues. Furthermore, in 2018, the Domestic Violence MRT program was implemented. For years the Duluth Model of treatment for Domestic Violence perpetrators, which is not an evidence-based program, has been utilized as the treatment program to address issues related to domestic violence. However, studies have shown that the Duluth Model is not necessarily a one size fits all model. While it works for some, a 2012 study by Washington State Institute for Public Policy concluded it appears to have little effect on recidivism. The MRT Domestic Violence Program is a cost-effective evidenced based program which can be utilized as an alternative form of treatment to the Duluth Model.