Hidden Victims Programme - Final evaluation report

The Hidden Victims (HV) programme is an innovative approach that works with offenders and their families to create opportunities for change that help break the cycle of crime. The University of Gloucestershire was commissioned by Infobuzz in May 2019 to undertake a summative evaluation of the programme in order to understand the types of impacts achieved by the HV programme. This report presents the evaluation findings. Beneficiaries had experienced extremely challenging life situations including trauma, shame and depression and anxiety. Participation in the HV programme represented a journey along which beneficiaries were able to make a number of adjustments which helped them to address, manage and resolve ongoing issues. HV staff was critical to successful interventions, building trusting, supportive and communicative relationships with beneficiaries that provided the foundations on which purposeful action was possible. Flexibility, honesty and the ability to experiment in a sensitive manner helped HV staff develop approaches that were responsive to participants’ needs. Staff perceived that the HV programme was innovative and distinct from other services. Active case management ensured a strong approach to assessments and simple and effective referral processes which, together with care plans and staff supervision, meant that the programme was responsive, flexible and adaptable. Collaboration with other services was an essential feature and the restorative approach empowered staff to create a space in which plans were negotiated with participants