The Aggression Replacement Training (ART) Programme

This page gives details on the ART programme run by probation staff for offenders throughout the Thames Valley.

What is the ART programme?
It is a groupwork programme, run by the Probation Service for people who have trouble controlling their anger and aggression.

Offenders are placed in a group of up to 12 people whose offences are also linked to aggression or violence.

It can form part of a Community Order or a post-release licence.

Evidence proves it helps reduce the incidence of assault, public order and criminal damage.

Aims
ART is designed to:

• Reduce the incidence of assault, public order offences and criminal damage
  
• Increase public protection
  
• Challenge offenders to accept responsibility for their crime and its consequences.
  

Who is suitable?
Persistent male and female offenders who:

• Are a medium to high risk to the public
  
• Have a conviction for assault, criminal damage or public order offence(s)
  
• Have a pattern of violent or aggressive behaviour
  
• Are aged between 18 and 50 years
  
• Are assessed as suitable for the programme in a Pre-Sentence Report (PSR)
  

It is not suitable for:

• Sex offenders
  
• Domestic violence perpetrators
  
• Offenders who commit other forms of instrumental violence such as robbery or threats to kill
  
• Offenders with learning difficulties
  
• People with mental health problems or suffering severe alcohol/drug use problems
  

• 5 individual sessions on risk assessment and group preparation
  
• 18 weekly groupwork sessions. These focus on structured learning to develop pro-social skills, anger control and moral reasoning training
  
• 5 evaluation and relapse prevention sessions
  
• Consistent monitoring and evaluation.