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Project
Peer-based programmes in prison: how and under what circumstances do they contribute to personal development? (FWOTM1057)
Justice systems increasingly acknowledge that prisons should offer
prisoners opportunities to source meaning and purpose during their
time of incarceration. Across the world prisons are implementing
peer-based initiatives to varying degrees. Research on these
initiatives is encouraging in terms of stimulating participants’ personal
development. However, as there is a scarcity of theoretical
substance, this project starts from a realist evaluation perspective to
better understand how and under what circumstances peer-based
initiatives in prison contribute to personal development. A first phase
consists of theory-gleaning interviews with key stakeholders and a
realist literature review to elicit an initial programme theory. In a
subsequent phase, a theory-based intervention framework for peerbased initiatives in prison will be developed. In a third phase the
intervention framework will be implemented and tested in two cases,
using outcome and process evaluation. In a fourth phase, a crosscase analysis will transform the initial programme theory into a
refined programme theory that unravels the effective components
and mechanisms of change through which a peer-based initiative
leads (or fails to lead) to its desired outcomes on personal
development. The project will thus generate innovative theoretical
and practical knowledge that enables academics and practitioners to
better understand the how and why of peer-based initiatives in
prison.
prisoners opportunities to source meaning and purpose during their
time of incarceration. Across the world prisons are implementing
peer-based initiatives to varying degrees. Research on these
initiatives is encouraging in terms of stimulating participants’ personal
development. However, as there is a scarcity of theoretical
substance, this project starts from a realist evaluation perspective to
better understand how and under what circumstances peer-based
initiatives in prison contribute to personal development. A first phase
consists of theory-gleaning interviews with key stakeholders and a
realist literature review to elicit an initial programme theory. In a
subsequent phase, a theory-based intervention framework for peerbased initiatives in prison will be developed. In a third phase the
intervention framework will be implemented and tested in two cases,
using outcome and process evaluation. In a fourth phase, a crosscase analysis will transform the initial programme theory into a
refined programme theory that unravels the effective components
and mechanisms of change through which a peer-based initiative
leads (or fails to lead) to its desired outcomes on personal
development. The project will thus generate innovative theoretical
and practical knowledge that enables academics and practitioners to
better understand the how and why of peer-based initiatives in
prison.
Date:1 Nov 2021 → Today
Keywords:Peer-based initiatives, active citizenship, participation, learning
Disciplines:Punishment and criminal justice, Continuing education and lifelong learning, Informal learning, Adult education, Correctional theory, offender treatment and rehabilitation