This landmark volume responds to the persistent demands from criminal justice professionals, policy advisers and the general public for `correctional options that work'. The contributors: define the options; seek to identify the varied concepts and hidden agendas underneath the simple phrase `what works?'; select three key areas in which to review relevant theory and empirical evidence - risk/needs assessment techniques; intervention/sanctioning options; programme implementation approaches; promote a dialogue amongst the key players which will prepare them for proactive decision-making on when and for whom alternatives to prison, particularly in the community, are appropriate rather than force them into panic decisions made in response to the crises which chronically effect the criminal justice and prison systems.