There is no international standardised nomenclature or agreement on best-practice principles relating to programs for people exiting prison. This impacts the ability of program providers to access funding and resourcing. This modified Delphi study aimed to achieve expert consensus about nomenclature and best-practice principles for programs for people in prison transitioning into the community.
A Delphi process involving online surveys and meetings was conducted to develop consensus among a heterogeneous group of individuals with experience, knowledge, or expertise in the field. Potential best-practice statements on programs for people exiting custody were developed from an in-depth literature review. These statements related to 6 domains: “definition and nomenclature”, “aims and intended outcomes”, “components and attributes”, “timing”, “responsibility”, “monitoring and evaluation”. Survey respondents indicated their level of agreement with these statements via Likert scales. “Consensus” was defined as 80% of respondents agreeing with a statement. Online meetings were employed to clarify statements that did not reach consensus. The final list of nomenclature and best-practice statements generated through this process were distributed to respondents for approval.
There was broad agreement on the “aims and intended outcomes”, “components and attributes”, and “monitoring and evaluation” of programs supporting people exiting prison. A common nomenclature for these programs, and a set of best-practice principles, are essential components for the sector to meet the needs of people transitioning from prison to community.
×
Dr Tazeen Majeed
Senior academic and researcher, University of Newcastle, Australia
Dr Tazeen Majeed is a medical doctor, a public health educator and researcher. Her work sees her collaborating with research groups, Australian and overseas governments, national and international organisations and policy makers. Her research covers a myriad of public health issues, focusing on justice health, vulnerable population groups, generational health and ageing, and gender differences in health issues. Through her work, Tazeen is aiming to help improve equity in ducation, health and health care for people who are vulnerable and marginalised especially those who are facing justice or correctional systems.
Tazeen also holds multiple teaching roles with the University across its undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs. Believing that education should be embedded within a framework of continual research, she is preparing her students to be global citizens and leaders who can successfully change the world for the better.
×
Professor Elizabeth Sullivan
Pro Vice Chancellor, Research Lead Custodial Health, The University of Newcastle, Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Australia
Professor Elizabeth Sullivan is an executive leader, public health physician & medical epidemiologist with academic & professional qualifications in public health. She is an inspirational & collaborative leader with demonstrated strategic & operational capability as an executive within the university & as a senior leader in the health sector. Professor Sullivan is an international expert in observational epidemiology, metadata development and leads high performing multi-disciplinary teams that embrace cultural & gender diversity, ensuring excellence in education, engagement & delivery of impactful research.
Professor Sullivan currently leads a program of justice health research across her university appointment within the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing and her health sector appointment as Research Lead Custodial Health for the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, NSW Health. Her program of research focuses on the criminalisation of poverty, mothering and the intergenerational transmission of incarceration.
×
Dr Jo Taylor
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Newcastle, Australia
Jo is an accomplished public health professional, with significant experience in public health and justice health research, lecturing, industry co-design and project management. She has a passion for health, equity, equality and lifelong learning. Jo has experience across research designs and methodology including cluster randomised stepped wedge, randomised control trials, systematic review, mixed methods, cohort and qualitative. Jo demonstrates extensive hands-on experience and has a track record of collaborative co-designed projects that are translational, implementable that have impacted change of practice and policy for health services and industry. Jo has expertise in distilling complex information into simple language for health services and vulnerable communities evidenced by peer reviewed publications, conference presentations, allocation of competitive grants and awards.
