We are committed to evidence-based practice which really means that we want to be sure that what we do is based upon sound ideas and theory. To this end we are informed by research in a number of areas as well as generating research data ourselves as part of projects.
Non-custodial Parents Currently Suzanne is involved in a research project on working with non-custodial parents. This is in conjunction with both the University of Canterbury and the Christchurch Methodist Mission. This research-based pilot is based on the Triple PPP material and deals with parents who have significant issues with parenting.
Restorative Justice in Family Violence Cases HMA has recently completed an evaluation of restorative justice in family violence cases based upon the work carried out by Mana Social Services in Rotorua. This descriptive piece explored best practice ideas in the area and the challenges that exist in doing this well. The release of this research is pending.
Effectiveness of Stopping Violence Programmes In 1998 the Department of Corrections contracted the Institute of Criminology, through Victoria Link, to undertake the evaluation of four approved community based violence prevention programmes for men.
These Effectiveness of Stopping Violence Programmes are based in Porirua, Takapuna, Wanganui and Christchurch. All four programmes have been designed to provide services that have as their objective reducing the level and/or seriousness of spousal or child abuse. They also aim to reduce the likelihood of inter-generational transmission of family violence.
The aim of the evaluation is:
“to determine the effectiveness of the programmes and to inform policy development and service provisions including providing an assessment against what is currently regarded as 'best practice'”.
The evaluation seeks to achieve this aim by describing the programmes and determining the extent to which they are achieving their individual objectives. The evaluation provides comparative information on them, and examines specific features such as success in meeting the needs of the clients and their significant others, meeting the needs of Maori and other cultural groups, and establishing links with other agencies. It provides information on the characteristics of the participants in the programmes and describes outcomes for them. It examines the extent to which outcomes are related to the observed features of the programmes, and provides information on programme costs and quality assurance systems. In addition it explores the factors affecting the effectiveness of the programmes.
For further information about Effectiveness of Stopping Violence Programmes you may download a summary of the research results.
