This study made a comprehensive review of empirical research on the effectiveness of offender rehabilitation to contribute to the successful settlement of Korean rehabilitation policy. The review of conceptualization, underlying theory, and past studies of rehabilitation revealed sufficient evidence to claim that rehabilitation is the most effective intervention strategy, as opposed to its punitive counterparts. Some models of rehabilitative intervention such as Multisystemic Therapy (MST) and Faith- Based Programs have been proved to be particularly successful in reducing recidivism. The key element of the success appeared to be an individualized approach that considers each offender’s unique pathways to criminal behavior and improves his/her life both internally and environmentally. As the social learning theory posits, it is crucial that offenders change their cognitive processes in a positive direction, which is what must be secured by any rehabilitation program to be successful. To this end, scholars and practitioners need to have a strong professional knowledge and responsibility to keep administering long-term individualized tactics, which proved not only effective but even more efficient than short-term temporary expedient, particularly prevalent in Korea. This way the evidence-based practice of rehabilitation is to be settled in Korea in spite of public fear against softness on crime.
This study made a comprehensive review of empirical research on the effectiveness of offender rehabilitation to contribute to the successful settlement of Korean rehabilitation policy. The review of conceptualization, underlying theory, and past studies of rehabilitation revealed sufficient evidence to claim that rehabilitation is the most effective intervention strategy, as opposed to its punitive counterparts. Some models of rehabilitative intervention such as Multisystemic Therapy (MST) and Faith- Based Programs have been proved to be particularly successful in reducing recidivism. The key element of the success appeared to be an individualized approach that considers each offender’s unique pathways to criminal behavior and improves his/her life both internally and environmentally. As the social learning theory posits, it is crucial that offenders change their cognitive processes in a positive direction, which is what must be secured by any rehabilitation program to be successful. To this end, scholars and practitioners need to have a strong professional knowledge and responsibility to keep administering long-term individualized tactics, which proved not only effective but even more efficient than short-term temporary expedient, particularly prevalent in Korea. This way the evidence-based practice of rehabilitation is to be settled in Korea in spite of public fear against softness on crime.
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