Guidance for Local Partners in the New Model for Community Justice

Following publication of the revised National Strategy for Community Justice in 2022, this guidance is out of date. The statutory guidance contained within it has been replaced with revised guidance.


Appendix E

Logic Models and Tools to Design and evaluate community justice interventions

Scottish Government Justice Analytical Services ( JAS) have published guidance on how to design and evaluate evidence-based community justice interventions. The guidance fits within an Improvement Framework and includes subject-specific resources and examples throughout.

The " 5 Step Approach" is:

1. Identify the Problem;

2. Review the Evidence;

3. Draw a Logic Model;

4. Monitor your Logic Model; and

5. Evaluate.

What are logic models?

Logic models are step-by-step diagrams which simply show:

  • What you're hoping to achieve in the long run (long-term outcomes)
  • The process (short- and medium-term outcomes) through which your planned activities can be expected to lead to
    long-term aims
  • What resources will you need to do this (inputs)

Anyone who is planning activities with particular aims in mind can benefit from using a logic model. A logic model is also used as the framework for collecting data and evaluating your service. Examples of logic models are given in this Appendix below.

JAS have produced several evidence reviews which may be of use to statutory partners in following this approach:

- What Works to Reduce Reoffending?: A Summary of the Evidence (2015)

- What Works to Reduce Crime?: A Summary of the Evidence (2014)

Current situation: Why is this service needed?
Consider needs, assets, symptoms v. problems, mission, values etc.

Inputs ⇒ Activities ⇒ Participants ⇒

Outcomes

What should we change?

What should we change?

What should we change?

What is invested?

What is done?

Who do we reach?

Short term

Medium term

Long term

For example:

Time

Research base

Money

Staff required

Venues

Equipment

Materials

Partners

Assess individuals

Develop a curriculum, materials, products

Conduct meetings

Deliver services, workshops, sessions, group work

Facilitate

Train

Make referrals

Service participants

Clients

Customers

Staff

Communities

Decision-makers

Policy-makers

Agencies

Learning

Awareness

Knowledge

Skills

Attitudes

Emotional state

Motivation

Aspiration

Action

Behaviour

Actions

Practice

Decision-making

Policy

Contribute to:

Wider social change

Wider economic change

Wider environmental change

Wider civic change

A worked example of a logic model approach is given below.

Current situation: Summary: The evidence clearly shows that structured and intensive CBT-based programmes can reduce drug use. However, there are currently no community services in X Local Authority area which has the second highest number of drug convictions in Scotland. Although convicted individuals can access support through the DTTO and CPO requirements, there are an absence of services that can be accessed directly from the community via local GP surgeries.

Inputs ⇒ Activities ⇒ Participants ⇒

Outcomes

What is invested?

What is done?

Who do we reach?

What should we change?

Short term

Medium term

Long term

For example:

2 years

See evidence on reduced drug use and mental health though structured and intensive sessions (attached)

£125,000

3 drug treatment professionals

GP surgery room let for
1 day per week

Computer, data collection software

Referral from GP/

Needs and risk assessment/

Develop structured plan with client

Provide health and well being education

Conduct skills sessions -
1 per week for each client lasting
2 hours

Deliver 1 CBT-based family sessions fortnightly per client lasting
2 hours

Men and women drug users aged 25-45

Learning

Client understands how they can improve their health

Client learns skills required to avoid high risk situations and how to form new relationships

More positive attitudes towards supportive family members

Increase in motivation to change

Action

Health and mental health improves

Client moves away from drug using peers and forms new positive relationships

Closer relationships with supportive family members

Reduced drug use

Contribute to

Better health outcomes

Reduced reoffending

Reduced pressure on other health services

Contact

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