Evaluation of Focus Ireland’s Outlook Programme for Women

Focus Ireland is requesting tenders to undertake an evaluation of the Women’s Outlook Programme in Dublin.

The programme’s goals are to prevent homelessness and to prevent recidivism for women who have come into contact with the criminal justice system. The service developed from the recognition of a need for step-down, community-based services specifically for women assessed as low risk for reoffending and as low risk to society. This collaborative service provides accommodation and combined support of both on-site Case Managers, and IPS/Probation Service supports.

This evaluation will have a particular emphasis on family-centred approaches to rehabilitation and reintegration. It will examine family, and social reintegration both before, during and after entry to the programme and explore what familial supports and challenges exist and what can be improved upon. Notably, the evaluation will inform the next iteration of the Women’s Outlook Programme.