NCJ Number
212175
Date Published
2004
Length
133 pages
Annotation
This report presents the methodology and findings of the British National Evaluation Team's evaluation of On Track, an early intervention and prevention program.
Abstract
Pilot On Track programs were implemented in 24 deprived and high-crime areas, targeting children "at risk" of becoming future offenders. The evaluation, which began in January 2001, consisted of an impact evaluation; an assessment of process, policy, and practice; and the obtaining of additional knowledge about the program and its approach. This evaluation report, which is one in a series on the program, focused on what has been delivered, who has received services, and early signs of impact. The findings pertain to Phase One of delivery and encompass the period between September 2000 and March 2002. Over this period, 388 of 693 planned interventions had been delivered to targeted communities. On average, each project has had contact with 400 users. The projects have developed a diverse set of services for children and their parents. Services to children have addressed individual problem behavior, risk factors, and general support and educational needs. Parents have received support and educational services. This report also presents findings on challenges to delivery, program costs, case assessment and referral, and program impact on risk and protective factors. The findings indicate that although On Track has had to deal with a number of challenges, much has been achieved. Early indications show that projects have had reasonable success in delivering services to a wide range of children and their families. As a complex, multiagency program designed to bring changes in practice, On Track has moved slowly and at great cost without significant early signs of achievement; however, it is starting to show some indications of an impact, although it is too early to conclude that real change is occurring. Extensive tabular data and 37 references