Think FirstProgrammeInformation for Courts

The aim of the Board is to help prevent crime and the harm it does.

Please keep this leafl et for information and reference purposes.This leafl et may be produced in different formats on request.

Tried and Tested

The Think First Programme is a Home Offi ce accredited Programme.The methods, principles and techniques applied have proved to be very effective in reducing Re-offending.

• Reduced re-offending• Improved public protection • Seamless execution of the sentence of the Courts• Greater public confi dence in community punishments.

Common features of “What Works” Programmes include

© PBNI April 2008

Probation Board for Northern Ireland

PBNI Headquarters80/90 North StreetBelfastBT1 1LD

T: 028 9026 2400F: 028 9026 2436E: info@pbni.org.ukWeb: www.pbni.org.uk

This programme tackles the attitudes and behaviour of persistent offenders. Its aim is to teach offenders new skills and techniques:

• To stop them offending• To control their thoughts, feelings and actions• To change their attitudes and behaviours

The Think First Programme

The programme is aimed at repeat offenders who make up the core of probation caseloads.

Rigorous assessment of offenders during the preparation of Pre-Sentence Reports is essential. There is evidence that putting the wrong offenders on this programme can increase re-offending. Sex offenders and Domestic Violence offenders and those convicted of serious Violent offences are unsuitable for the programme.

Suitable offenders

Where appropriate, Pre-Sentence Reports will contain proposals for offenders’ attendance on the Think First Programme as an additional requirement to a Probation Order (minimum of 18 months). It is not appropriate for these Orders to be made as a result of a Specifi c Sentence Report.

Pre-Sentence Reports

Think First is an intensive Home Offi ce Accredited programme, delivered to groups of up to ten offenders. Offenders seldom think about their victims, their families or the consequences for themselves before committing a crime. The programme tackles the way offenders think and behave and aims to change behaviour by teaching problem-solving skills.

It runs for 33 two hour sessions comprising four pre-group, 22 group and seven post-group sessions.

Programme Content

Offenders are expected to attend the full programme and must catch up on any missed sessions. If they do not, they will be returned to Court after the second missed session Offenders are clearly expected to fi nd employment and / or training opportunities and the Service is catering for this.

Completion of the programme will require signifi cant commitment and motivation on the part of offenders.

Attendance

Tests are given throughout the programme to measure offenders’ skills and attitudes towards offending. The results of these contribute to regular review meetings and reports written by programme staff and the Case Manager.

Assessing individual progress

“What works” is a Home Offi ce policy to ensure all probation and prison practice is effective and based on properly researched evidence of success in reducing re-offending.

“What Works”