Offenders Program

A question put forward to the Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO regarding the offenders program.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: On what dates did the Minister receive evaluations of the:

1. Sex offenders program;

2. Violent offenders program; and

3. Aboriginal offenders program?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: I am advised that:

Evaluation of the sex offender program; the violent offender program; and programs delivered to Aboriginal prisoners and offenders employ multiple methods to assess the integrity and outcomes of the programs. Both quantitative and qualitative measures are used to provide an analysis of outcomes, process and context of the programs. A variety of methods are used including surveys, pre and post questionnaires and interviews with a range of professionals involved with the program.

Research of international and interstate evaluations suggests that the Department for Correctional Services' evaluation framework for the sex offender program is comprehensive, rigorous and thorough and that it has the potential to provide sound quantitative and qualitative outcomes.

At this early stage in terms of program outcomes the Department is not in a position to report statistically significant recidivism data.

Best practice for reporting recidivism data is considered 5-10 years post program. Even at this later stage, many recidivism studies are still unable to provide conclusive results.

Program integrity continues to be monitored to ensure congruence with expectations and best practice guidelines for the delivery of programs.

For the reasons above, the evaluations for the sex offender program; the violent offender program; and programs delivered to Aboriginal prisoners and offenders are yet to be received.