Evaluation of the citizenship evidence-based probation supervision programme using a stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial

Dominic Pearson; Cynthia McDougall; Mona Kanaan; David Torgerson; Roger Bowles

doi:10.1177/0011128714530824

Evaluation of the citizenship evidence-based probation supervision programme using a stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial

Dominic Pearson
, Cynthia McDougall
, Mona Kanaan
, David Torgerson
, Roger Bowles

International Centre for Research in Forensic Psychology

University of York

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

443 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This study evaluated a Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) evidence-based offender supervision programme, Citizenship, using a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Citizenship has a cognitive-behavioural basis and focuses on education, increasing motivation to change, and community integration. The RCT Is a stepped wedge cluster randomised design which has rarely been used in criminal justice and overcomes some ethical objections to RCT implementation. Participants were all medium- and high-risk offenders commencing probation supervision (N=1,091) in any one of six office units during the 1-year rollout of the programme. Overall there was a non-significant 20% effect of Citizenship in reducing reconvictions. However, controlling for risk, the hazard with higher risk offenders was 34% lower than for the control group. Results therefore support RNR-based probation supervision.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	899-924
Number of pages	26
Journal	Crime & Delinquency
Volume	62
Issue number	7
Early online date	17 Apr 2014
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/0011128714530824
Publication status	Published - 2 Jun 2016

Keywords

cognitive-behavioural
community corrections
risk-need-responsivity
stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial
structured probation supervision

Access to Document

10.1177/0011128714530824

Citizenship RCT Crime & Delinquency Final
Dominic A. S. Pearson, Cynthia McDougall, Mona Kanaan, David J. Torgerson, Roger A. Bowles. 'Evaluation of the Citizenship Evidence-Based Probation Supervision Program Using a Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial'. Crime & Delinquency, 62(7), pp.899-924. Copyright © 2014 (The Authors). DOI: 10.1177/0011128714530824.
Accepted author manuscript (Post-print), 426 KB

19 Citations
2 Chapter (peer-reviewed)
1 Article

Probation staff reflective practice: can it impact on outcomes for clients with personality difficulties?
Pearson, D. & Molino, S. D., 14 Oct 2025, Reflections on Probation: A Companion Resource for Developing Practitioners. Grant, J., Haggar, L. & McDermott, M. (eds.). 1st ed. Policy Press, p. 44-62 19 p.
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review
The importance of organisational factors in transferring the principles of effective intervention to offender rehabilitation in the real world
Pearson, D., 2 Jan 2018, Transforming environments and rehabilitation: A guide for practitioners in forensic settings and criminal justice. Akerman, G., Needs, A. & Bainbridge, C. (eds.). Oxford: Routledge, p. 348-370 22 p. (Issues in Forensic Psychology).
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review

Open Access
From research to practice: challenges and opportunities of evidence-based supervision
Pearson, D., 1 Oct 2014, Probation Quarterly, 2, p. 24-27 4 p.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article

Open Access

Alternatives à l'Emprisonnement
Pearson, D. (Invited speaker)
4 Mar 2016
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference
Probation Institute Centre of Excellence
Pearson, D. (Invited speaker)
10 Dec 2014
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in workshop, seminar, course

File

Probation Award
Pearson, D. (Recipient), 2009
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)

Cite this

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title = "Evaluation of the citizenship evidence-based probation supervision programme using a stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial",

abstract = "This study evaluated a Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) evidence-based offender supervision programme, Citizenship, using a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Citizenship has a cognitive-behavioural basis and focuses on education, increasing motivation to change, and community integration. The RCT Is a stepped wedge cluster randomised design which has rarely been used in criminal justice and overcomes some ethical objections to RCT implementation. Participants were all medium- and high-risk offenders commencing probation supervision (N=1,091) in any one of six office units during the 1-year rollout of the programme. Overall there was a non-significant 20\% effect of Citizenship in reducing reconvictions. However, controlling for risk, the hazard with higher risk offenders was 34\% lower than for the control group. Results therefore support RNR-based probation supervision.",

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Evaluation of the citizenship evidence-based probation supervision programme using a stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Keywords

Access to Document

Fingerprint

Research output

Probation staff reflective practice: can it impact on outcomes for clients with personality difficulties?

The importance of organisational factors in transferring the principles of effective intervention to offender rehabilitation in the real world

From research to practice: challenges and opportunities of evidence-based supervision

Activities

Alternatives à l'Emprisonnement

Probation Institute Centre of Excellence

Prizes

Probation Award

Cite this