Critical Review of a Social Services Program or Intervention for Children, Adolescents and/or Families


The purpose of this critical review is to develop your skills in research, evaluation and presentation of ideas. You are to draw from current peer-reviewed research and other suitable sources (e.g., books, government reports) and present written material in APA 7th edition format.

This assignment has two parts:
1. A 1000-word critical review of the effectiveness of programs of this type (not necessarily your program specifically) and identification of the factors that influence the program’s effectiveness. This is worth 20% of your final mark.
2. A small oral presentation to be pre-recorded and uploaded with your assignment. This is worth 5% of your final mark.

1. The Critical Review
You are required to identify and critically review a social service program or intervention that is psychologically based and directed toward improving the quality of life for children, adolescents and/or families. You may choose a program running in your own local area or a program that operates anywhere in Australia. Examples of programs that have been
evaluated by students in the past are:

  •  Big Brothers/Big Sisters mentoring program
  •  DAYS program for youth at risk of alcohol or drug abuse.
  •  Triple P Stepping Stones for parents with children who have a disability.
  •  Young Parents Program for young teenage mothers.

Here is a proposed structure for the critical review:

Describe the program:
– Describe the aim(s) of the program or intervention based on information publicly available in resources such as brochures or information on websites. Do not approach the staff of such programs for more information.
– Describe the target population of the program or intervention and describe the techniques and activities used.
– Describe the anticipated outcomes of the program.

– Select 4-7 relevant references.

– Summarise the overall findings of the research and identify the strengths and/or weaknesses of the research.
– Describe the main factors/variables that are responsible for change and mechanisms by which they lead to change. Describe what are the outcomes of success and how are these measured. Critically evaluate how past research is relevant to the program or intervention:
– Explain if and how past research informs and supports the program or intervention in terms of:

  • o The main factors/variables responsible for change
  • o The mechanisms of change for a successful outcome
  • o The outcomes/indicators of success

– If there is insufficient information available, then offer a suggestion for what research should be done.

Conclusion:
– Conclude whether the program is effective, partially effective, not effective, or unable to be determined.
– Comment on the implications for research and practice.