Evaluating Correctional Programs
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Evaluating Correctional Programs
Correctional programs are regarded as structured interventions targeting the risk factors that are directly associated with criminal behavior for the purpose of reducing reoffending. Various methods can be utilized for program evaluation, including the use of focus groups, as well as open-ended or even semi-structured interviews. Most of these methods help in gaining a significant insight into the strengths and weaknesses of a specific program evaluation activity (Drake & Fumia, 2017). For instance, the evaluations mainly take the form of formal and informal interviews with the correctional staff, administrators, and the offenders to help in ascertaining their satisfaction level with the program, as well as their perceptions concerning the problems.
Evaluating Correctional Programs
A program evaluation follows a four-step process, including planning, implementation, and completion, in addition to dissemination and reporting. Planning step is involved with the determination of the evaluation’s feasibility, specifying long- and short-term goals, and the identification of stakeholders. The implementation step is involved with examining of whether the intended program is capable of successfully recruiting and sustaining the intended participants. In this case, there is need for effective coordination with other continuing activities and programs. The completion step is involved with examining the long-term impact, or immediate outcomes, or even summarizing the program’s overall performance, including its sustainability and efficiency (Duriez et al., 2018). Dissemination and reporting is the final step and is involved with the presentation of a program’s results as well as utilizing additional resources that are mostly needed for translating materials for ensuring that they are culturally appropriate.
Correctional programs are usually evaluated for the purpose of determining and even understanding the specific treatments with the capability to produce long-term change within the offenders (Drake & Fumia, 2017). They are also evaluated for the purpose of determining their validity and reliability, which can be utilized as the elements for administrative planning within the community correctional facilities.
References
Drake, E. K., & Fumia, D. (2017). Evolutions of Correctional Education Evaluations and Directions for Future Research. Criminology & Pub. Pol’y, 16, 549.