DOES CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM QUALITY REALLY MATTER? THE IMPACT OF ADHERING TO THE PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE INTERVENTION*

TLDR

The study examined 3,237 offenders in 38 community‑based residential programs, matched to a comparable parole control group, and linked program characteristics and treatment integrity—collected via staff surveys and director interviews—to observed treatment outcomes. Significant and substantial relationships between program characteristics and effectiveness were found, indicating that program quality matters and informing funding decisions.

Abstract

Research Summary: This study analyzed data on 3,237 offenders placed in 1 of 38 community‐based residential programs as part of their parole or other post‐release control. Offenders terminated from these programs were matched to, and compared with, a group of offenders (N = 3,237) under parole or other post‐release control who were not placed in residential programming. Data on program characteristics and treatment integrity were obtained through staff surveys and interviews with program directors. This information on program characteristics was then related to the treatment effects associated with each program. Policy Implications: Significant and substantial relationships between program characteristics and program effectiveness were noted. This research provides information that is relevant to the development of correctional programs, and it can be used by funding agencies when awarding contracts for services.