August 2007. Bibliography p. 49-50.

This summary evaluation report was prepared by Auckland UniServices Ltd. It was commissioned by the Department of Child Youth and Family (CYF) in 2003 and published by the Centre for Social Research and Evaluation, Ministry of Social Development. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of three community-based treatment programmes for adolescents who sexually offend and determine whether treatment resulted in a reduction in sexual offending, improved psychological health and positive outcomes, and was also cost-effective. The three programmes evaluated were SAFE Network Auckland, WellStop in Wellington and STOP in Christchurch. Three forms of evaluation were carried out. A process evaluation involved 91 participants (adolescents, parents and caregivers, programme and external agency staff) over a period of 11 months, documenting programme operation and characteristics, examining clinical practice and processes, and identifying factors associated with successful programme progress. An outcome evaluation took place utilising sample data from 682 clients files to form the basis of a reoffending study aimed at determining programme effectiveness. The author claims that this was the largest reoffending study ever undertaken with adolescents who sexually offend internationally and that the follow-up period of up to 10 years (4.5 years median) is a major achievement. Lastly, a cost-effectiveness evaluation of the three programmes was undertaken using decision tree modelling, data from client files and financial accounts. Findings include widespread support from adolescents and their families with positive changes resulting from treatment. Issues include a need for further development of culturally appropriate services for Maori and Pacific clients. An overall sexual reoffending rate for treatment completers of 2% was established. This is one-third of the non-treatment rate, indicating a substantial treatment effect. The programmes were found to be cost-effective when compared to international studies. Recommendations include attention to data management processes, more intensive services for youths and their families at risk of drop-out, and development of Maori practice models and culturally appropriate services for Pacific clients.

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