What Works? Revisiting the evidence

Abstract This article reviews the evidence that has been published in the last three years relating to the effectiveness of ‘What Works? ’ or evidence-based inter-ventions with offenders in the Probation, Prison and Youth Justice Services in England and Wales. It concludes that the evidence of programmes having an impact on re-offending is patchy, although a number show improvements in inter-mediate outcomes such as employment and literacy. There are indications that to be effective programmes need to be well targeted and supported, and reinforced by good case management. More studies remain to be completed, and it is too early to say what works, what doesn’t, and what is promising