|
Answer:
This program operates as an alternative service organization, as exemplified by certain peace movement or feminist organizations. Alternative service organizations are typically run by non-professionals (often volunteers) committed to addressing a social problem and to reaching clientele poorly served by traditional services. The program's community action approach includes group treatment to abusive men, but it also includes a wide range of activities outside the usual roles of therapist or teacher, such as community development, crisis intervention, social recreational activities and instrumental help to the men and their partners.
The service providers devote considerable effort to engaging and maintaining men in treatment. For example, a man who fails to attend the weekly group may receive an unexpected visit at home or at work. Many interventions arise through the spontaneous, informal encounters common in the rural setting in which this program is based.
The program has not been formally evaluated, and the recidivism rates of the participants are unknown. The program, however, is able to keep men in treatment (less than 5% drop-out rate compared to 40% in traditional programs). This low attrition rate is particularly impressive considering that the program works with many offenders who fail in traditional programs (e.g., low education, serious alcohol problems, extensive criminal histories). Should the program prove effective with this difficult population, it could make a significant contribution to community safety.
|
