Organizational Readiness Surveys and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Implementation
Learn why Organizational Readiness Surveys are essential to your organization prior to Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Implementation.
Effective correctional interventions contribute to positive behavior change—decreasing people’s risk of recidivism and increasing their likelihood of remaining law-abiding. Whether an early adopter of evidence-based practices (EBP) or in the initial implementation phase, a variety of PPCJI-specific resources are available to guide and support effective interventions.
Effective Correctional Interventions are Grounded in Research and Evaluation
Decades of research have provided justice system professionals with a framework to help determine the characteristics of programs and interventions that contribute to behavior change. Effective correctional interventions should be:
Informed by research through all phases of implementation
Risk, need, and responsivity (RNR) focused
Utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and social learning
Regularly evaluated
Additionally, effective interventions require active engagement and participation, strong and clear communications, and should be led by well-trained staff. Ongoing evaluation of correctional interventions ensures fidelity, active participation, and positive outcomes.
Initial and Ongoing Evaluation of Practices and Programs
A variety of tools exist to evaluate and rate practices and programs. These tools can be used prior to implementation to determine which practices and programs are effective and most promising, as well as to identify which practices and programs are ineffective.
Examples of effective practices and programs include:
Early adopters also benefit from ongoing evaluation of current programs and interventions. In addition to utilizing the Effective Correctional Interventions EBP brief and the Manual of Effective Correctional Programs, early adopters are encouraged to conduct a gap analysis. A gap analysis is a systematic method of assessing an organization’s performance and answers three key questions:
Where are we now?
Where do we want to be?
How do we get there?
By answering these questions, an organization can determine areas for improvement, establish priorities, set goals and activities to reach those goals, identify and allocate needed resources, and measure progress.
NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email detailing how to join the webinar.
Ensuring public safety is the central goal of the justice system. An effective system is dependent, in part, on the effectiveness of its correctional programming. Specifically, successful correctional programs that aim to reduce a person’s risk of recidivism (e.g., reoffense, rearrest, and/or reincarceration), provide tools for behavior change, and reintegrate people back into their community. Though many programs are established with these goals, not all are effective.
Sometimes, well-intended programs are implemented without proper development or evaluation. Unfortunately, interventions and programs that are not supported by research can have harmful effects, including increasing recidivism.
This webinar provides a brief overview of effective correctional program development and implementation, as well as includes information on the characteristics of effective and ineffective programming. An introduction to program evaluation tools is included, along with ideas on engaging community providers and other outside stakeholders and helpful tips for managing limited resources.
Cognitive behavioral interventions (CBI) are the foundation for effectuating behavior change and assisting people on probation, parole and pretrial supervision change their lives for the better.
Many times, individuals on supervision lack the ability to understand the long-term consequences of their decisions and actions. Cognitive behavioral interventions are evidence-based and have a direct correlation with decreasing recidivism of those who successfully complete the programs. In fact, numerous studies have proven CBI effectiveness when compared to other types of programming and interventions. CBI focuses on a person’s thoughts, feelings, and associated behaviors.
In Chester County, we utilize Thinking for a Change (T4C) which involves cognitive restructuring theory, social skill development, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, we utilize Moving-On, a program specifically developed for women who are at risk of recidivism. This program is built on a strength-based and trauma-informed approach to help participants build personal and social resources in their life.
The use of CBI has a very low up-front investment with a very big return on the commitment for providing the programs.
Chief Christopher Pawlowski, Chester County Probation, Parole and Pretrial Services
Positive change is possible for everyone in Pennsylvania. We look forward to continuing to enhance your EBP knowledge and invite you to submit education/resource requests to askppcji@gmail.com.
