Assessment of Risks and Needs

Offenders must receive the type of supervision and programming that provides the best outcomes possible for that individual. To help determine that, the DOC uses the Montana Offender Reentry and Risk Assessment (MORRA). This tool: 

• Assesses the probability of an offender recidivating 
• Identifies risk factors and criminogenic needs to guide and prioritize programming 
• Enhances sharing of offender information 
• Assists in the efficient allocation of resources while an offender is under department supervision. 

By using the MORRA, the DOC can determine offenders’ unique risks and needs and match them with programming targeted at addressing those issues, the level of supervision appropriate to help keep offenders on track, and ultimately, reduce their risk of recidivism. As an extension of this assessment, the DOC can better allocate resources, like probation and parole officers, based on level of risk for recidivism. 

Risk Need Responsivity Model

The Risk Need Responsivity Model is anchored by three fundamental principles that determine who should be treated, what should be addressed, and how services should be delivered:

• Risk Principle (Who): Match the intensity of treatment to the individual's level of risk for reoffending. High-risk individuals should receive the most intensive interventions, while low-risk individuals should receive minimal or no services, as over-treating low-risk cases can sometimes increase recidivism.
• Need Principle (What): Interventions must target "criminogenic needs"—dynamic factors directly linked to criminal behavior that can be changed. Addressing these needs is significantly more effective at reducing crime than targeting non-criminogenic needs like self-esteem or general personal distress.
• Responsivity Principle (How): Maximize the individual's ability to learn from treatment by tailoring the delivery to their unique characteristics.
  • General Responsivity: Uses cognitive-behavioral methods (e.g., social learning, problem-solving) as the most effective delivery style.
  • Specific Responsivity: Tailors treatment to individual factors like motivation, learning style, culture, and abilities.