Translating Risk, Need, and Responsivity (RNR) Principles into Supervisory and Clinical Practice
Effectively managing and rehabilitating individuals who have committed serious offenses requires a framework that is both grounded in research and adaptable to diverse professional settings. The Risk-Need-
Responsivity (RNR) model has become one of the most influential evidence-based approaches in the field of corrections, providing clear principles to guide assessment, intervention, and supervision. By aligning service intensity with risk level, addressing criminogenic needs, and tailoring interventions to individual learning styles, RNR provides a proven foundation for achieving meaningful rehabilitation outcomes. For professionals engaged in clinical work and supervisory roles, understanding and applying its principles is essential to ensuring interventions are both effective and ethically sound.
Sandy Jung—an accomplished researcher, clinician, and experienced trainer—developed this training to provide professionals with practical methods for using RNR principles in their work with adult individuals convicted of sexual offenses. Drawing on her extensive expertise, she offers strategies, tools, and case examples to support effective implementation.
This training begins with an overview of the history of the RNR model and the science supporting its effectiveness, followed by a detailed exploration of how the principles can be effectively implemented in practice. Participants discover what successful implementation looks like and gain insight into common challenges that may arise. Throughout the training, the focus remains on providing actionable tools for applying RNR in both clinical interventions and supervisory contexts, helping professionals improve outcomes for the individuals they serve.
Interactive Follow-Up Meeting
Attendees are invited to join an open discussion 15 minutes following the end of the training, where you can engage with fellow attendees by turning on your camera and microphone. This is an opportunity to share your experiences and contribute to a meaningful exchange of ideas. Time will be allocated to address questions or insights from the training. Please note that attendance is optional and will not affect your eligibility for a training certificate.
1) Explain the key principles for effective correctional rehabilitation using the RNR model.
2) Describe the empirical research and evidence supporting the RNR model.
3) Apply the risk principle to assess, predict, and match intervention intensity to the risk level of those who have offended.
4) Distinguish between criminogenic and non-criminogenic needs.
5) Identify and address responsivity factors that influence intervention effectiveness.
6) Recognize common challenges and considerations in implementing the RNR model.
Audience
This training is primarily for professionals working in clinical, supervisory, and correctional settings who engage with adults convicted of sexual or other criminal offenses. This includes clinical psychologists, social workers, counselors, clinical supervisors, and correctional program directors or case managers.
Content Level
Disclosure
Cancellations
Continuing Education Approval
American Psychological Association (APA)
Safer Society Foundation, Inc. is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Safer Society Foundation, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Safer Society Foundation, Inc., provider #233, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 06/06/2025—06/06/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 4 clinical continuing education credits.
Who's Presenting
Sandy Jung, PhD
Sandy Jung, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Psychology at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Canada. She maintains an active research program in her Psychology Crime Lab (PCL@M) that focuses on the prevention of sexual assault, child sexual exploitation, and intimate partner violence and is funded by both internal and major external grants. She has numerous peer-reviewed publications in the field of forensic psychology, often co-authored with her students and several of her collaborators in law enforcement, forensic mental health, and other academic institutions in Canada, U.S., and other parts of the world. She was a recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award and Distinguished Research Award, was previously a Board of Governors Research Chair, and was awarded the Distinguished Academic Award by the Confederation of Alberta Faculty Associations. Prior to her current academic position, she was a forensic psychologist at a forensic mental health facility where she provided assessment, treatment, and risk management of individuals convicted of violent and sexual offences. She is currently an Editorial Board Member for the journals, Sexual Offending: Theory, Research, and Prevention, Psychology of Violence, and Canadian Psychology.