Therapeutic communities,representing prison environments that have relationship or personal-growth orientations,have been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of recidivism among certain offender types.

Research has shown that therapeutic communities can be effective in reducing the risk of recidivism for certain types of offenders. These programs emphasize personal growth and relationships rather than punishment and isolation. They provide a supportive environment where offenders can learn new skills and behaviors, address underlying psychological issues, and develop a sense of community and responsibility. However, therapeutic communities are not appropriate for all offenders and may not be effective in all cases.