Evidence-based Practices (EBP) in Corrections Presented the Texas Corrections Association June 8, 2009

Clarification of Terms Best Practices What Works Evidence-based Practice

Implementing Evidence-based Practice: The Integrated Model Evidence-based Principles Reducing Recidivism Organizational Development Collaboration

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

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

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

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 Management Executive Leadership 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

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

Characteristics of Effective Programs 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

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

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

Re-thinking Business From Process to Outcomes From Activities to Results From Being Busy to Creating Value

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 Treatment Services Criminal Correctional Programs Offender Re-entry Justice System Parole, Case Management

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