Prison innovation:

residential pre-release programme. Application of the RNR model in Uruguay

Abstract

The text describes the implementation of the residential pre-release program in the Uruguayan prison system, which is based on the risk-need-responsivity model (RNR). This model, developed by Canadian researchers, is the one with the greatest empirical evidence of effectiveness in the treatment of criminal behavior. The program described here was designed in 2021, and its main purpose is to reduce the likelihood of recidivism. It focuses on people at high risk of recidivism, addressing their criminogenic needs in an intensive and structured manner. The results of institutional monitoring showed that 96 people participated in the program, of which 61 were released. Of those released, 28% returned to prison within one year of release, while 24?% have remained at liberty for more than one year. International evidence indicates that treatment programs based on RNR have a reduction in recidivism between 12% and 50%, which varies according to different factors, including the definition of recidivism reported by each study, the time period to be considered for measuring results, the number of principles of the model applied, the fidelity of the programs in their implementation, and the training of those who carry them out.