Transcript Slide 1

Evidence-based
Practices (EBP) in
Corrections
Presented the
Texas Corrections Association
June 8, 2009
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Clarification of Terms
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Best Practices
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What Works
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Evidence-based Practice
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Implementing Evidence-based
Practice: The Integrated Model
Evidence-based
Principles
Reducing
Recidivism
Organizational
Development
Collaboration
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Why Do We Need to Know About
EBP?
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It improves outcomes, especially
recidivism
It reduces victimization
It improves collaboration
It increases appetite for data driven
decision making
It targets funding toward the interventions
that bring the greatest returns
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What the Research Says...
“What has emerged from the research is not
a single program that clearly stands out as
the most effective for reducing recidivism, but
rather a set of principles that characterize the
most effective correctional interventions.”
Thomas F. White,
A Framework for Implementing Evidence-Based
Practice in Probation and Parole, February 2004
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Eight (8) Evidence-based Principles for
Effective Interventions
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Assess Actuarial Risk/Needs
Enhance Intrinsic Motivation
Target Interventions
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Risk Principle
Need Principle
Responsivity Principle
Dosage
Treatment Principle
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Eight (8) Evidence-based Principles for
Effective Interventions
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Skill Train with Directed Practice
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Increase Positive Reinforcement
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Engage Ongoing Support in Communities
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Measure Relevant Practices
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Provide Measurement Feedback
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How does EBP apply to me?
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Front Line
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Management
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Probation and Parole Officers
Correctional Officers
Counselors
Supervisors
Mid-Management Staff
Executive Leadership
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Directors
Sectional and Regional Directors
How does EBP apply to programs?
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In whole or In part…
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Motivational Interviewing
Thinking for a Change
TCOOMMI
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Characteristics of Effective Programs
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Are based on research & sound theory
Demonstrated effectiveness with offenders
Have leadership and use qualified staff
Are implemented as designed
Assess offenders with risk/needs instruments
Disrupt criminal networks
Target crime producing behaviors
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Characteristics of Effective Programs
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Assess progress of offenders in meeting target
behaviors
Provide aftercare
Quality assurance processes
Evaluate, evaluate, evaluate
Track offender recidivism
Maintain stable programs, funding & community
support
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Important Considerations
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Offender assessment is the engine that drives
effective programs-this helps you know who to
target
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Design programs around empirical research-this
helps you know how to target offenders
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Program integrity makes a difference-this
includes service delivery, disruption of criminal
networks, training/supervision of staff, support
for the program and evaluation
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Programs based on Evidence Provide:
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Safety and Security
Management of Problem Behavior
Change of Behavior through Risk and Need
Reduction
Competency in Staff and Offenders
An Impact in the Overall Offender and
Organization Culture
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Re-thinking Business
From Process to
From Activities to
From Being Busy to
Outcomes
Results
Creating Value
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Treatment that “works” is not a Program or
an Event, it is also a Stage-Based Process
Screening
& Referral
Courts,
Judges,
Prosecutors
Severity
Assessment
Probation,
Intervention
Criminal
Justice
System
Treatment
Services
Correctional
Programs
Offender
Re-entry
Parole,
Case Management
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Moving EBP into the
Big Picture
Local
State
National
It All Comes Back to…
Public Safety
“EBP makes a long-term contribution to public
safety. When offender risk is reduced, it means
there are less victims of crime and the whole
community feels safer. Research should be applied
to practice with the goals of preventing further
victimization and creating safer communities.”
Crime & Justice Institute,
Evidence-Based Practices: A Framework
for Sentencing Policy, November 2006
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