Volume 75 Number 1 Home Exploring The Moderating Effects of Mental I llness on Parole Release Decisions 1 Jason Matejkowski, Ph.D. Treatment Research Institute PAROLE RELEASE DECISIONS take into consideration an inmate’s risk for recidivism (Bonta, 2002; Heilbrun, 1997). Factors associated with criminal involvement are divided into static and dynamic risk factors, the latter of which are termed criminogenic needs (Andrews & Bonta, 2003). Static risk factors include past behaviors like criminal history and as such are immutable. Criminogenic needs include education and antisocial cognitions, values, and behaviors and are considered areas that can be targeted for intervention. Research on risk assessment for criminal recidivism has identified a set of “central eight” risk factors that predict criminal involvement most reliably (see Table 1; Andrews & Bonta, 2006; Andrews, Bonta, & Wormith, 2006). The criminality of persons with mental illness is influenced by the same central risk factors that influence criminal behavior among persons without mental illness (Bonta, Law, & Hanson, 1998; Hodgins & Janson, 2002).