NCJ Number
212253
Journal
Legal and Criminological Psychology Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: September 2005 Pages: 173-187
Date Published
September 2005
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This meta-analysis is the first systematic examination of the impact of program integrity on recidivism reduction through correctional treatment programs.
Abstract
"Program integrity" refers to the degree to which a program is implemented in practice as intended by its underlying theory and design. This meta-analysis used the indicators of program integrity identified by Hill, Andrews, and Hoge (1991) and Andrews et al. (1993). The meta-analysis focused on 273 tests of the effectiveness of correctional treatment programs. Indicators of program integrity included the following management variables: selection, training, and the clinical supervision of deliverers of services. Additional indicators of program integrity were evaluator involvement in program design, the presence of training manuals, the monitoring of treatment delivery, and using a small sample of clients. The indicators of program integrity made independent contributions to enhanced effects of treatment programs; however, on average, indicators of program integrity were rarely reported in the analyzed sample of correctional treatment outcome studies. This study concludes that enhanced reductions in recidivism are far more likely when a program adheres to the treatment principles of risk, need, and responsivity. Further, the delivery of intended services must be done by staff selected for their relevant skills and trained in accordance with the type and quality of services intended under program theory and design. Further, small samples of clients and the selection of an evaluator willing to be involved in the design, delivery, and management of services also enhance a program's impact on recidivism. 36 references