Abstract

Extending the ‘what works’ tradition in correctional research, realist evaluation approaches champion the need to understand the nuances of program implementation and effectiveness, asking “what works, for whom, in what circumstances, in what respects, and how?”. This highlights the importance of understanding how programs work in ‘real world’ settings, and not simply whether or not they produce a positive outcome overall. Informed by this approach, the current study employed focus groups and interviews with corrective services programs staff in Australia, to explore factors that impact program success and key program implementation considerations. Findings reveal system-, program-, and individual- level factors that appear to impact program success, largely by constraining program delivery. Identified implementation considerations included program design and delivery, and staffing and resources. By examining the nuances of program delivery, this study provides a better understanding of the ‘real-world’ operation of custodial sex offender treatment programs, and adds important context to reported outcome studies.

摘要

现实主义评估方法扩展了矫正研究中“什么有效”的传统，支持理解计划实施和有效性的细微差别的必要性，询问“什么有效，对谁，在什么情况下，在什么方面，以及如何？”。这突出了了解程序在“现实世界”环境中如何运作的重要性，而不仅仅是它们是否总体上产生了积极的结果。在这种方法的基础上，当前的研究采用了焦点小组并采访了澳大利亚的矫正服务项目工作人员，以探索影响项目成功的因素和关键项目实施考虑因素。调查结果揭示了似乎影响项目成功的系统、项目和个人层面的因素，主要是通过限制项目交付。确定的实施考虑因素包括计划设计和交付，以及人员配备和资源。通过检查项目实施的细微差别，本研究提供了对羁押性犯罪者治疗项目“现实世界”运作的更好理解，并为报告的结果研究增加了重要背景。