Abstract:
This thesis presents the findings of a process evaluation on the SAFE Rangatahi programme, a community treatment programme designed for Māori adolescents who have committed sexual offences against adults or children. Qualitative methods including interviews and observation of group therapy and outdoor wilderness therapy excursions were carried out over a ten month period. Several other sources of information were collated in an attempt to document programme processes and function including SAFE’s policy and procedural manual, pamphlets and brochures, and the agency website. A total of 23 participants were interviewed, including seven rangatahi, nine whānau, three kaimahi (staff) and four key stakeholders associated with the Rangatahi programme. The findings of this study are important because they give credibility to the use of cultural initiatives with sexually abusive Māori youth. This study illustrates that sex offender treatment programmes need to accommodate the cultural needs of those who participate and failure to do so may result in disparate outcomes for its users and increase the risk to the community.
