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Evidence-based Practices (EBP) in

Corrections

Presented the Texas Corrections Association

June 8, 2009

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Clarification of Terms Best Practices

What Works

Evidence-based Practice

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Implementing Evidence-based Practice: The Integrated Model

Evidence-based Principles

CollaborationOrganizational Development

Reducing Recidivism

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Why Do We Need to Know About EBP?

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

Assess Actuarial Risk/Needs Enhance Intrinsic Motivation Target Interventions

Risk Principle Need Principle Responsivity Principle Dosage Treatment Principle

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Eight (8) Evidence-based Principles for Effective Interventions

Skill Train with Directed Practice

Increase Positive Reinforcement

Engage Ongoing Support in Communities

Measure Relevant Practices

Provide Measurement Feedback

How does EBP apply to me? Front Line

Probation and Parole Officers Correctional Officers Counselors

Management Supervisors Mid-Management Staff

Executive Leadership Directors Sectional and Regional Directors

How does EBP apply to programs? In whole or In part…

Motivational Interviewing Thinking for a Change TCOOMMI

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Characteristics of Effective Programs

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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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

Characteristics of Effective Programs

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Important Considerations Offender assessment is the engine that drives

effective programs-this helps you know who to target

Design programs around empirical research-this helps you know how to target offenders

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:

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

Results

Outcomes

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

SeverityAssessment

TreatmentServices

OffenderRe-entry

CriminalJustice

System

Probation,Intervention

CorrectionalPrograms

Parole,Case Management

Courts,Judges,

Prosecutors

Moving EBP into the Big Picture

Local

State

National

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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