Washington ? An internal investigation of the community-organizing group ACORN concluded there was no criminal conduct by employees caught on videos offering advice on how to hide assets and falsify lending documents.

The report, which ACORN’s CEO described as “part vindication, part constructive criticism and complete road map for the future,” was unlikely to stem continuing political criticisms of the group and its efforts.

In a 47-page assessment that former Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Harshbarger was commissioned by the organization to do, he said ACORN leaders “appear committed to effect reform and are on their way to preserving ACORN and its mission in a reduced size and scope.”

Harshbarger’s report says ACORN, which stands for the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now, should return to its roots, focusing on community organizing, and should hire an independent ethics officer to oversee an internal governance program that is already under way.