The first international study into the characteristics and statistical effectiveness of treatment for Indigenous and First Nations People who have sexually offended: A meta-analysis and survey of routine practice

Psycho-criminological literature has continued to examine post-treatment recidivism outcomes homogeneously for people who have sexually offended. Because results indicate clear differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who have sexually offended, this project set out to understand the characteristics and effectiveness of treatment for Indigenous and First Nations people from four jurisdictions: Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. A strategic three study strategy was implemented and resulted in a systematic narrative synthesis, meta-analysis and survey of sexual offender treatment organisations in Australia. The systematic review used a comprehensive and scientifically rigorous approach to identify studies (k = 14) that were critically appraised through an extensive data extraction process to report on demographic, treatment and recidivism data. Novel findings in relation to the characteristics of treatment for Indigenous people and the respective recidivism outcomes were provided. Over half of programs reported using a blended approach to treatment that included Western and culturally relevant practices, with the remaining studies taking a purely Westernised approach. The meta-analysis built on the systematic narrative review by statistically calculating the effectiveness of treatment for Indigenous and First Nations people from studies that contained a comparison group (k = 7). Using odds ratios and a random-effects model, findings suggest that although treatment was effective for Indigenous and First Nations people, it was most effective when programs utilised treatment that was of cultural relevance. Given there is limited published research on treatment outcomes for Indigenous and First Nations people, the final study overcame this barrier by directly surveying treatment providers in Australia (N = 12). This provided a foundation of knowledge and mapped out current practices in the field of treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who had sexually offended and received treatment in Australia. Key insights into treatment practices were provided, including the development and theoretical foundations of treatment, current approaches, evaluation efforts and issues concerning the implementation of treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Although organisations implemented culturally relevant treatment approaches, it was more common to see Western therapeutic interventions at the forefront of practice. There was a lack of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific risk and needs assessment tools, suggesting a lack of adherence to the principles of risk, need and responsivity among these organisations. Overall, results from all studies indicated that more research, stronger methodological approaches and clearer adherence to the principles of risk, need and responsivity were required before more definitive conclusions can be made. There are clear challenges faced by researchers and program facilitators to ensure programs are of a high calibre so that Indigenous and First Nations people achieve positive outcomes of reduced recidivism. Therefore, the thesis concludes with 21 recommendations to ensure the field continues to develop scholarly knowledge on best-practice approaches and methods of delivering treatment to Indigenous and First Nations people.

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