Multi-agency work to prevent repeat offending: a theory of change

Multi-agency approaches to crime are gaining momentum in Belgium. With the establishment of Family Justice Centers, multi-agency work has been introduced to deal with domestic violence, and in its counterterrorism policy, Belgium recognized the importance of integrated approaches to terrorism in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States. Central to that approach is the creation of so-called local integrated security cells. These are structures that facilitate multi-agency work focused on the early detection of violent extremism and a more individualised approach and follow-up of violent extremists.

In this contribution, we examine if multi-agency work can be a useful for repeat offenders of specific high impact crimes in Belgium. We argue that multi-agency work for this group of offenders is useful only when based on a clear theory of change, i.e. when multi-agency work is based on explicit assumptions that effectively lead to a reduction or prevention of recidivism.