The document summarizes research on shoplifting and proposes a diversion program called "Positive Returns" for first-time shoplifting offenders. It finds that shoplifting often stems from psychological issues and can be reduced through treatment addressing underlying causes. The proposed program consists of 6 weekly 1.5 hour group sessions over 9 hours total to help offenders process the offense, understand motivations, and develop relapse prevention plans, with the goal of reducing recidivism compared to taking no action.

1. “ Positive Returns” A Program for first time offenders apprehended for shoplifting Compiled and developed by Terry Richardson, MSW, LCSW, NBCCH HEALTHePATH Associates, Inc .

6. There are no sweeping demographic descriptors for “profiling” the first time offender apprehended for shoplifting. Offenders are found distributed within all socioeconomic status ranges, levels of education, ethnicity, and genders without significant reliability for prediction. First Time Offenders Apprehended for Shoplifting Review of the Research Literature and Treatment Program Recommendations Terry Richardson, MSW, LCSW HEALTHePATH Associates, Inc. HEALTHePATH Associates, Inc .

8. The best program will initiate a positive self-change process, reduce lingering hostility or beliefs of unfairness toward the justice system, and encourage healthier strategies for coping. First Time Offenders Apprehended for Shoplifting Review of the Research Literature and Treatment Program Recommendations Terry Richardson, MSW, LCSW HEALTHePATH Associates, Inc. HEALTHePATH Associates, Inc .

9. Reduction or Elimination of Future Shoplifting Behavior The research devotes much of its focus to the identification of attributes that would help to isolate a common theme of “causation” which led to the ATO (Atypical Theft Offense). In behavioral terms- “the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior”. The literature review included a sampling of programs developed for the purpose of extinguishing the undesired behavior “shoplifting”. First Time Offenders Apprehended for Shoplifting Review of the Research Literature and Treatment Program Recommendations Terry Richardson, MSW, LCSW HEALTHePATH Associates, Inc. HEALTHePATH Associates, Inc .

12. Research data regarding correlations between duration of programs and potential recidivism is absent. The only conclusion that might be drawn would be that the most positive indicator of re-offending would be the absence of involvement in a relapse prevention program. All programs discussed claimed a less than 5%-7% recidivism rate, while the national standard for shoplifting re-offending is believed to be as high as 21%-25%. First Time Offenders Apprehended for Shoplifting Review of the Research Literature and Treatment Program Recommendations Terry Richardson, MSW, LCSW HEALTHePATH Associates, Inc. HEALTHePATH Associates, Inc .

13. Of interest, none of the studies or programs reported in our extensive literature review utilized a specific screening tool, risk assessment, or other instrument to determine an offender’s need for participation in a shoplifting program or as a predictor for risk of re-offense. In this writer’s opinion it could be concluded that due to the atypical nature of the offense, there existed a de facto risk of re-offending unless some preventive measure was taken, therefore shoplifting programs did not incorporate a participant pre-selection process. First Time Offenders Apprehended for Shoplifting Review of the Research Literature and Treatment Program Recommendations Terry Richardson, MSW, LCSW HEALTHePATH Associates, Inc. HEALTHePATH Associates, Inc .

14. Although some programs incorporate use of a risk assessment instrument, the use of a risk assessment instrument for shoplifters is not currently supported by the literature and appears to be a non-essential extra step (and expense) in the process when evaluating a “best outcome” approach. Reconsideration of use of the risk-screening tool is warranted. First Time Offenders Apprehended for Shoplifting Review of the Research Literature and Treatment Program Recommendations Terry Richardson, MSW, LCSW HEALTHePATH Associates, Inc. HEALTHePATH Associates, Inc .

18. For specific program start dates or more information please contact: Terry Richardson, MSW, LCSW, NBCCH HEALTHePATH Associates, Inc. (417) 626-7900