If you have recently been caught for shoplifting or theft, the court has probably required that you take an “anti-stealing” class to help change your thinking and behavior. After a long history of sending offenders to jail and having them pay fines, the legal system has come to realize that this is not enough to modify the behavior. Theft education or diversion classes specifically address the psychology of stealing, the consequences and legal risks, and skills to help offenders to better control their actions.
Finding the right theft or shoplifting class can be difficult. One option is to physically attend an in-person class. Traditional classroom based classes generally have a preset schedule that meets once a week, and the offender goes to the number of classes it takes to fulfill the length of requirement as mandated by the court. The issue with in-person classes is that because of the pre-determined class schedule, the individual might have to miss work or school to attend. In big cities, there are often a number of classes to choose from. However, in smaller cities or towns, it can be hard to find one that fits your schedule. Weather can play a roll as well. If your requirement needs to be filled during the winter months, you might have to spend your weekend time driving or walking through rain or snow to get to the school site. Also, attending a classroom means getting involved in rehabilitation with a room full of strangers. For a shy or embarrassed participant, this can prove painful.
A second and more convenient choice is to take an online theft diversion class. Online classes are available from any web-based device such as a PC, an IPad or laptop. With prior approval from the court system, they are often accepted as another way to fulfill court requirements.
Online programs have become very popular because they are more convenient than in-person courses. Classes are offered in lengths of 4, 8, 10 and 16 hours and can be taken at your own pace. The client can login and out as many times as he wants, so it can be fit in for ½ an hour one day, and 3 ½ the next, whatever works best in the client’s busy lifestyle. Online classes enable the individual to get through the course more quickly because instead of having to take a 10-hour theft class over 10 weeks, he can finish it one weekend if he so chooses.
When reviewing the different online class options, be sure to choose one that is designed by a licensed and practicing psychotherapist and impulse control expert. This will insure that you are getting the most current, accurate information available in the field today. Also check for a Better Business Bureau Rating of A+ and a 100% money back guarantee. It is also beneficial to make sure that while the client is taking the class, he has the opportunity to speak directly with the program director if any questions or issues arise.
The bottom line is that while there are currently two options to fulfilling your court mandated theft education requirements; most people agree that taking a class online is a more convenient, fun and interesting way to go about it.
