Working with offenders and those with problem behaviours: a primer

The presentation will equip participants with information pertaining to their work with clients with offence histories and/or problem behaviours. Problem behaviours are defined as those activities in which people engage that might result in offending behaviour (e.g., arson, problem gambling, threats, stalking, sexual offending, aggression and violence). The underpinning ethical principles for dealing with such clients will be reviewed. Information will be provided regarding some foundation issues relevant to this population: demographic factors, lifestyle factors, mental health features, substance misuse, and education. A framework will be presented that allows for an understanding of why [most] people offend: The General Personality and Social Psychological Perspective on Criminal Conduct. Flowing from the framework, the Risk Need Responsivity model will be used to help differentiate forensic counselling work from more general counselling and the roles will be explained based on the type of work in which the counsellor is employed to engage. The presentation will conclude with information about dealing with clients who exhibit challenging behaviour for the counsellor. The presentation will include brief case studies to help illustrate the points being made and time will be allocated for questions and discussion