Research and Evaluation

Research and Evaluation

The scope of the Strategy and Development Project incorporates planning and creating the framework for how ACSO will manage the following activities between 2010 and 2013:

• Building capacity to thoroughly evaluate ACSO’s programs (independent of Government contracts) and be able to clearly demonstrate performance outcomes.
• Building capacity for ACSO to engage in and influence research and public policy.
• Strategic partnership development in the context of a relationship continuum ranging from complex contractual arrangements to sustaining local networks.
• Creating new business and funding opportunities.

This plan covers the period May 2009 to April 2010 and focuses on the necessary development work in the four identified areas of evaluation, research, partnerships and new business/funding. For the purposes of this plan the evaluation and research domains have been separated due to their different function and purpose, while recognising that there may be considerable overlap in the actual activities needed within ACSO to support both these areas.

ACSO has employed a Project Manager and Research Officer, who have commenced work on an evaluation framework and identifying possible research projects and partnerships.

Drug and Alcohol Research Project

This year Justice Services, ACSO commissioned Caraniche to review the area of best practice in behaviour change in young offenders with alcohol and other drug issues.

Read the report: "Review of Best Practices around behaviour change in Young Offenders with Alcohol and Other Drug issues."