Significantly off target: a commentary on Fazel et al.’s (2024) umbrella review of research on the risk–need–responsivity framework

McGuire J, Seto MC, Davies J, Lösel F (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Journal of Experimental Criminology Springer Verlag

DOI: 10.1007/s11292-025-09707-3

Abstract

We write in relation to a review article concerning the status of the risk–need–responsivity (RNR) model of offender rehabilitation that is widely utilized in criminal justice services. The article to which we refer, by Fazel et al. (2024), was published in the Journal of Criminal Justice. We make a number of observations on the work reported in the paper, which together indicate that the conclusions drawn by its authors are not scientifically justified and are misleading. We offer this critical position based on a detailed scrutiny of the report by Fazel et al. and the manner in which they conducted their review. We find that there are several features of their work that make the conclusions they arrived at highly questionable. They comprise (a) a dismissive approach to what are in fact mainly positive outcomes, (b) an inappropriately narrow selection procedure that led to the exclusion of many relevant meta-analyses, and (c) the use of unsuitable and misleading methods of systematic review quality appraisal. Overall, we conclude that there is a misrepresentation of the RNR model at a theoretical level which has led to a misjudgment of both its heuristic and its practical value. We agree that there are weaknesses in portions of the relevant research on RNR, and we agree that the model is not an entirely comprehensive account of the criminal justice rehabilitation enterprise. While we appreciate some of the critical comments made by Fazel et al., their main conclusions are unwarranted and we reject their suggestion that RNR should not provide a basis for the design and delivery of rehabilitation services in new jurisdictions.

Authors with CRIS profile

Friedrich Lösel

Involved external institutions

The University of Liverpool GB United Kingdom (GB) University of Ottawa CA Canada (CA) Swansea University GB United Kingdom (GB)

How to cite

APA:

McGuire, J., Seto, M.C., Davies, J., & Lösel, F. (2025). Significantly off target: a commentary on Fazel et al.’s (2024) umbrella review of research on the risk–need–responsivity framework. Journal of Experimental Criminology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-025-09707-3

MLA:

McGuire, James, et al. "Significantly off target: a commentary on Fazel et al.’s (2024) umbrella review of research on the risk–need–responsivity framework." Journal of Experimental Criminology (2025).

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