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

2. Clarification of Terms
Best Practices
What Works
Evidence-based Practice

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. How does EBP apply to programs?
In whole or In part…
Motivational Interviewing
Thinking for a Change
TCOOMMI

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. Moving EBP into the Big Picture
Local
State
National

17. 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