The emerging role of the specialist Program Facilitator within the context of Corrective Services NSW

Corrective Services New South Wales (CSNSW) aims to reduce re-offending by individuals who are under its supervision or in its custody. It seeks to do this by building capacity in the development, delivery and evaluation of programs that target factors known to be actuarially associated with offending behaviour. The role of the specialist Program Facilitator is vital in maintaining, and effectively delivering quality programs throughout the Service. There is an increasing body of evidence supporting the position that evidence-based, well delivered programs are effective in creating behaviour change. This has seen the development of specialist Program Facilitators who have a combination of training, experience and personal attributes that facilitate the therapeutic alliance with program participants to support behaviour change. This paper seeks to highlight the value of the trained facilitator within CSNSW. It explores the role of the facilitator as an agent to ensure program integrity and therapeutic process and to provide a framework for mentoring and support. The authors, both program facilitators, explore the leverage for change that can be effected in program delivery through having staff that can take on a mentoring and consultative relationship. This is especially with colleagues responsible for the supervision of offenders. The authors conclude that trained Specialist Program Facilitators add considerable value to service delivery in often difficult settings throughout the Service. Corrective Services New South Wales (CSNSW) aims to reduce reoffending by individuals who are in custody or who are under its supervision. It seeks to do this by building capacity in the development, delivery and evaluation of programs that target factors known to be actuarially associated with offending behaviour and reduce recidivism (Corrective Services NSW ‘Accreditation, Strategic Framework’ 2005). Evidence has slowly accumulated to support the position that treatment programs do indeed ‘work’ (Day and Howells 2002). CSNSW like many Western correctional agencies have shifted their focus from incarceration towards providing effective offence based programs as part of their core business to ensure a higher quality approach to offender management. Morgan and Winterowd (2002) also suggest that group treatment programs offered to offenders to effect behavioural change do work. In spite of societal beliefs, research is proving that this form of intervention is superior to punishment versus incarceration alone. Interpersonal, process orientated group programs offer several treatment advantages for offender populations (Yalom 1995). This has been explored further by Morgan and Winterowd (2002) who claim that as a result of participation in a therapeutic group program, offenders potentially related better with others, tended to take more responsibility for their own behaviour and moved closer to acceptance of Australasian Journal of Correctional Staff Development http://www.bfcsa. nsw.gov. au/journal/ajcsd The emerging role of the specialist Program Facilitator within the context of Corrective Services NSW 2 societal expectations of pro-social behaviour. In 2004 CSNSW, through the establishment of the Offender Programs Unit took up the challenge of reviewing their suite of programs, as well as the way in which these programs were being delivered throughout the state in both custodial settings and in the Community Offender Services (COS). As a result of the research and evidence supporting specific program delivery and therapeutic group work practice, CSNSW introduced positions within the Offender Services and Programs Branch that were designated as specialist Program Facilitators. This was initiated along with a staff development plan that emphasised training initiatives related to program accreditation (CSNSW Accreditation Strategic Framework 2005). The position of specialist Program Facilitator was designed mainly to provide a dedicated staff member whose role was to deliver programs and ensure program integrity. This paper argues that the role of the specialist Program Facilitator has since evolved and now provides greater value across many different aspects of offender management, rehabilitation and staff mentorship. Facilitators provide a combination of training expertise and personal attributes that together offer superior program integrity and therapeutic process. They adhere to a strict framework of standardised program delivery and are provided with ongoing clinical supervision and training in group work practice. The authors will explore in this paper the value of the specialist Program Facilitator by identifying key skills sets and personal qualities essential in the development, delivery, evaluation and progression of effective programs for offenders. The authors believe that the process of providing meaningful programs that can initiate behavioural change and ensure successful program outcomes, involves more than being effective in the group room. It requires the specialist Program Facilitator to operate in parallel processes of communication and interactions with management, custodial and community offender services, along with offenders and those who supervise them. Skill sets and attributes The specialist Program Facilitator brings to the equation his/her extensive understanding and experience underpinned with a strong theoretical framework. These inform both the educational content and therapeutic process of each program he/she delivers. Facilitators must be able to process information, deliver accurate educational content along with observing, recognising and responding to intragroup relationships as they unfold. The facilitator’s ability to think, link, reflect and act within the context of program activities is fundamental to the therapeutic process both for offenders and co-facilitators. While focused on group process, a facilitator needs to be able to assume a position of inquiry and curiosity (or ‘not knowing’) to provide the best environment for exploring issues within a group. This position of ‘seeking to find out’ reaffirms and expands the understanding and potential of others. Bunston, Pavlidis and Leyden (2010) suggest this acquiring this skill set is a hard development task for those charged with the responsibility of maintaining group process. It also begins to justify the position of a specialist Program Facilitator whose training requires the acquisition and ongoing development of this skill. The specialist Facilitator must have a strong belief in the capacity of human beings to effect change, particularly using the group process as a vehicle for change. Anderson (1987) suggests that the honest acceptance and confidence of the group facilitator that change can happen provides the right environment for change to occur. Specialist Program Facilitators should have a strong belief that program interventions aimed at reducing recidivism in offenders work. Australasian Journal of Correctional Staff Development http://www.bfcsa. nsw.gov. au/journal/ajcsd The emerging role of the specialist Program Facilitator within the context of Corrective Services NSW 3 This conviction instils ‘hope’ that an offender can gain the confidence and belief that the program will in some way help his/her current situation by effecting change (Yalom 1995). The specialist Program Facilitator who recognises the barriers and challenges to program delivery often approaches this task with ‘possibility thinking’. By adopting a ‘can do’ mindset around the importance of offence-targeted programs they provide consistent strategies in offender management. This ensures that programs remain a priority in the areas they service. Often it is their ability to continually work with a focus on finding solutions when working across layers of resistance that provide a model to other staff and reinforce the commitment of CSNSW to deliver effective offence-targeted programs. As a result of a more intimate understanding of an offender’s issues developed within the group process, the specialist Program Facilitator is sought after for consultation by staff and management in providing alternative strategies and approaches to address behaviour change. Initiated through program delivery, it provides important feedback and recommendations for ongoing treatment and case management. Another significant benefit of the feedback process can be a more effective working relationship with cofacilitators (usually Probation and Parole Officers). While supporting new skills development, these professional interactions also provide a safety net for others involved with program delivery, allowing them to take appropriate professional risks and to advance their own learning and confidence. The specialist Program Facilitator is responsible for ensuring program integrity. As such, he/she becomes the ‘anchor’ that provides a consistent and reliable approach to program delivery and ensures a therapeutic alliance is created across all parallels within the organisation. They support the evaluation of program effectiveness by providing a conduit where information travels many ways between stakeholders and responsible parties.