Supporting offenders into employment – case studies

Methodology

A mixed-methods research design was used, incorporating case study methodology and kaupapa Māori theory. Both methodologies helped guide the research team. This mixed-methods design followed the He Awa Whiria (Braided Rivers) model which suggest that insights from both mātauranga Māori and Western social science are equally important and can be considered together. Case studies focus on the personal experience of participants who are receiving the service, helping them to reflect on their activities and thinking. This methodology uses various techniques including interviews and observations. Kaupapa Māori research methods were used in the recruitment of participants, collection of data, and analysis of findings. This approach was appropriate because of the disproportionate rates of Māori offending. It aimed to generate insights about the cultural appropriateness of the SOE model and what enabled the successful reintegration of clients back into the community. This lens is critical to understanding the cultural contexts in which offenders are rehabilitated.

Data collection occurred from October 2018 to March 2019 across four internal SOE sites in Te Awamutu, Palmerston North, Porirua, and Hastings and the two external sites in Christchurch. 

In general, the methods for recruiting Department of Corrections clients had a 27% response rate but this varied across sites with recruitment being more likely at the two external sites.

Of the 31 clients involved in the trial, 6 were women and 25 were men. 13 clients were Māori, four were Pasifikā and 14 were NZ European. Most of the interviewees, 27, were in prison at the time they first engaged with the trial and four were referred from the community. At the time of the research project 10 were employed, five were working part time (including one who was retired and one who was studying), 11 were unemployed and five had returned to prison.

In total, 52 interviews were completed with clients (31), providers (12), and client support people (nine). Most interviews were kanohi-ki-te-kanohi (face-to-face) and the remainder were over the phone. With informed consent all interviews were recorded and transcribed. Interviews were undertaken inside MSD premises, at external service premises and/or in neutral, public spaces (e.g., in cafes).

The research team used processes and practices that affirmed and validated kaupapa Māori research approaches including the use of mihimihi (introductions), acknowledging whakapapa (kinship connections), whanaungatanga (establishing relationships), and acting in a respectful, mana-enhancing ways with all participants. The research team completed 31 case studies based around client experiences of the trial. Each case study was intended to consist of three perspectives, including the client, the key agency support person, and whānau or other support person.

Across the 31 case studies we conducted thematic analysis of the narratives about the trial process, client needs and circumstances, and contextual and individual factors to identify what works for those clients, what contributes to client success, and what might be improved. We compared and contrasted the key themes that emerged across the internal and external services to identify similarities and differences for clients, case managers and whānau/support persons.

The key themes aligned with the expression of several tikanga practices (Māori customs and values) and through a process of grouping and distilling these themes, the research team identified five tikanga that most aligned with the themes. The research team was then able to present the findings through the five tikanga using the voices and experiences of clients, agency staff, and whānau/support persons drawn from the case studies.