Document Type
Report
Publication Date
2-28-2024
Abstract
The Achieving Change Together (ACT) program provided cognitive behavioral interventions to 156 persons reentering the community between 2020 and 2023. Evaluators at the University of Nebraska Omaha utilized multiple data sources to complete the evaluation of the process and subsequent outcomes of the program. Qualitative interview and observation data was collected to understand the implementation process of the ACT. A participant survey supplemented this data, examining behavioral attitudes and satisfaction with the programming. Further, we obtained institutional data from the Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) and relevant courts data from the Iowa Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning (CJJP) to examine desistance outcome measures. ACT participants were randomly assigned one of two curricula upon enrollment, allowing the evaluation to estimate relative program effects for two different cognitive behavioral interventions. Finally, a similar comparison group was compared to the treatment groups on desistance measures following a contemporary balancing procedure.
For the process evaluation, participants reported generally positive feelings about the program and were grateful for the supportive staff. Challenges were centered upon schedule conflicts, as most participants worked at least 40 hours per week, spent hours on public transportation, and had other responsibilities related to their correctional supervision. IDOC staff reported challenges including communication and concerns with duplication of programming. Safer staff felt positive about the services they delivered and the support they received from Safer Foundation. Turnover during the course of the grant was challenging, as was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical issues such as work schedules and transportation challenges that disrupted attendance. Program materials were viewed as appropriate for the purposes of the grant. Observations demonstrated that facilitators were well-trained, engaging with program participants, and delivering programs with fidelity. No “red flags” were apparent during any program observations. Participant surveys suggested that facilitators treated participants with respect (95.1%), the quality of the services were satisfactory (92.7%), and participants would recommend the program to others (90.2%).
For the outcome evaluation, MRT emerged as influential in lowering risk, stable needs factors, and acute needs factors compared to DP and the comparison group. MRT and DP each had lower one-year and two-year return rates compared to the baseline analysis. However, this comparison was not significant when identifying and controlling for confounding variables. All other variables tested for differences were non-significant or had extremely low effect sizes.
Considering the challenges in implementation and promising outcomes of lower risk and needs, the report concludes with recommendations focused on future service provision within residential facilities. Specifically, a strategy to hold participants accountable for their actions while retaining a therapeutic environment is recommended to be developed with all stakeholders. Also, requiring participation as a condition of parole may be coercive and detrimental to a therapeutic environment. Incentives other than release or shortened parole should be developed to encourage participants to opt-in. Finally, future collaborations between agencies and service providers should develop a participant transportation plan to ensure attendance absent future sanctions.
Recommended Citation
Nebraska Center for Justice, University of Nebraska at Omaha, "Evaluation of Safer Foundation’s Achieving Change Together Program: Administered in Iowa’s 7th Judicial District" (2024). Reports. 151.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/ncjrreports/151
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