Delivering On Track

• NCJ Number: 205231
• Author(s): Jean Hine; Victoria Harrington
• Date Published: 2004
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: Great Britain Home Office
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This report presents evidence emerging in stages one and two of the process evaluation surrounding program and project implementation during the first 18 months of the United Kingdom’s On Track program.

Abstract

On Track was developed as part of the Home Office Crime Reduction Program (CRP), launched in 1998. On Track is an evidence-based preventative program that adopts a community approach to tackling crime. It attempts to reduce crime by targeting early interventions at the risk factors known to be associated with crime and antisocial behavior. The process of policy implementation began at the beginning of 2000. There are 24 local On Track partnerships established in areas of high crime and deprivation. They were funded to offer multiple interventions for at risk children aged 4 to 12 and their families. This development and practice report was focused on evidence emerging in stages one and two of the process evaluation surrounding program and project implementation during the first 18 months. It highlights the key lessons learned from On Track with regard to setting-up and managing large-scale programs of this kind and draws attention to both external and localized factors that influence implementation. The report focuses on the delivery of interventions, effective partnerships, and community involvement. Key implementation lessons learned include: adequate implementation support, the importance of realistic and achievable goals, finding local solutions and developing risk management strategies, and creating joined-up policy. Key evaluation lessons learned include: guidance must be provided to projects in the planning stage about their role in the process; consideration should be given to the appointment of a dedicated research and/or information officer to establish data collection systems for monitoring progress and evaluation; and projects that have established a management and information system complementing the requirements of the evaluation are on the cutting edge in meeting internal and external information needs.