• The program must have a clear and specific purpose, stated in a formal mission statement.
• The program must have specific and measurable goals and objectives.
• The program must be currently operating and have met its stated objectives for at least two consecutive years.
• Outcome measures must show a high rate of completion and/or sustained success.
• The program must be effective and creative in addressing a specific offender problem or need and be consistent with ACA policies and principles.
• The program must be replicable in other jurisdictions.

The American Correctional Association has named Operation Outward Reach its Exemplary Offender Program for 2007. 

The ACA created this award ten years ago “to broaden the knowledge of successful program interventions throughout ACA and to annually recognize an outstanding correctional program.”

Each year the Correctional Awards Committee of the ACA chooses one deserving program serving adult or juvenile offenders. This year,11 judges reviewed 30 entries and selected OOR. This is the first time that a Pennsylvania program has been chosen for this award.

Some past recipients of the ACA award have been: New York City Department of Juvenile Justice; Ontario Correctional Institution; Akron Municipal Family Violence Court; Oakland County Youth Association and the Louisiana Risk Management Sex Offender Treatment and Monitoring Program.

Any program serving adult or juvenile offenders that can demonstrate success in operations in one or more of the following areas:

• Reducing the offender rate of return;

• Increasing the offenders educational levels;

• Increasing the marketability for employment of offenders once released;

• Increasing the cognitive and life skills of offenders;
  or

• Integrating the family into treatment.