Evaluating a Prison-Based Intervention Program

Approaches and Challenges

Authors

  • Catherine Arsenault Université Laval
  • Chantal Plourde Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
  • Marc Alain Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.307

Keywords:

attrition, challenges, comparison group, free and informed consent, prison context, prisoners’ code, program evaluation, program theory, total institution

Abstract

The Quebec government considers program evaluations to be a necessity if public organizations are to monitor and improve their performances (Lalande, 2010). However, relatively few evaluations are conducted in prisons, despite the important need for programs in such an environment (Cortoni & Lafortune, 2009). The numerous challenges that face researchers who attempt such evaluations may partially explain the reluctance to undertake them. This article traces and explains the process used by a team of researchers in evaluating an addiction program in a provincial prison. The article describes the challenges and problems faced by the team and the strategies that were implemented to overcome these challenges.

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Published

2016-04-21

How to Cite

Arsenault, C., Plourde, C., & Alain, M. (2016). Evaluating a Prison-Based Intervention Program: Approaches and Challenges. Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, 31(1), 61–81. https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.307

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 1 (2016): Spring

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2016 Catherine Arsenault, Chantal Plourde, Marc Alain

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