The HELP II program uses a collaborative approach with several key community partners in implementing a model of case management and skills-building that assists mothers released from prison who are reentering a community in Franklin County. Based on its findings, the evaluability-assessment team recommends conducting a case study of the HELP II program in order to document program operations and the experiences of participants as a method of identifying critical lessons learned that may inform the broader field of practice and provide a foundation for future evaluation research. The HELP II site is not recommended for the impact evaluation because the target number for program participation is small (projected 30 participants); two of the critical enrollment criteria, having children under 10 years old and being released from incarceration in Franklin County, are not reliably captured in ODRC's administrative data systems. In addition, there is considerable variation within the program that would be difficult to measure. Neither are there apparent plans to continue or sustain the program after September 2013 when the grant term ends; however, since the HELP II program is unique and relatively comprehensive, information about outcomes would benefit the field. Thus, an implementation/process evaluation or case study could be conducted. 3 exhibits, 3 references, and appended SCA logic models
FY 2011 Second Chance Act Adult Offender Reentry Demonstration Projects: Evaluability Assessment of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Healthy Environments, Loving Parents (HELP II) Program
NCJ Number
243987
Date Published
September 2013
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This study conducted an evaluability assessment (determination of whether a project is a candidate for meaningful evaluation) of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) Healthy Environment, Loving Parents (HELP II) program, a FY 2011 Second Chance Act (SCA) demonstration site, whose grant-mandated goals are to increase reentry programming for returning prisoners and their families; reduce recidivism of program participants by 50 percent over 5 years, reduce parole violations, and improve reintegration outcomes.
Abstract
Date Published: September 1, 2013