Specific responsivity involves factors particular to an individual that influence the individual’s willingness or ability to respond to supervision and services provided. These factors can either inhibit or support engagement and participation. Specific responsivity factors include strengths, motivation, preferences, personality, age, gender, ethnicity, cultural identification, racial and ethnic identification, trauma, mental health, cognitive abilities, change readiness, and treatment readiness. Additionally, characteristics of persons on supervision in offense subgroups can affect their readiness and willingness to engage in behavior change activities and treatment. Examples include individuals with sexual offenses or histories of interpersonal violence/domestic violence, driving under the influence, or gang involvement.

Specific responsivity factors should influence the type of supervision, interventions, and treatment provided. Ignoring these factors diminishes the prospects for successful supervision. Supervision officers must be able to identify, assess, and incorporate the variety of specific responsivity factors that may exist with any person under supervision.