Stage two of implementation focuses on initiation. If this stage of implementation is something your agency has already completed, now is a great time to evaluate and modify as needed. If your agency is just starting out, there are a few key tasks that can help staff initiate and implement evidence-based practices. 

 Stage 2: Initiation

The following few key tasks are intended to support agencies in the initiation stage of implementation:

• Train staff in the PA-approved motivational interviewing (MI) course
• Train staff to conduct risk/needs assessments and to interpret results
• Train staff to conduct effective one-on-one interventions
• Train staff in case plan development
• Develop a quality assurance (QA) plan

Staff training is essential to this stage of implementation because it gives employees the knowledge and skills they’ll need to implement evidence-based practices to fidelity.

Creating and implementing a quality assurance plan is critical to this stage because it will help improve processes, reduce long-term costs, and improve user experience both internally and externally.

A Fidelity and Quality Assurance Checklist is included in the “Implementing Evidence-Based Practices: A Staged Approach, Stage 2” document. The document outlines key tasks necessary for effective initiation and implementation during stage 2, as well as provides templates to support agencies throughout the process. The Checklist helps agencies assess whether they are implementing tasks and subtasks, and monitor performance over time—it is a great resource for early adopters to evaluate their previous implementation efforts.

 Stage 2: Beyond Training 

Training alone is not enough. To ensure training sticks, agencies should regularly review and refresh training, as well as have other professional development and mentoring practices in place that support staff, including:

• Coaching to enhance employee skills and knowledge
• Learning teams to empower employees and to offer focused, operational, hands-on learning

Agencies that combine training with real-time practices that reinforce training content can and do experience improved outcomes.

 Chief Darby Christlieb, Cumberland County Adult Probation 

 Pro Tip:

Stage two of implementation is when the agency puts everything that you have researched and learned into practice. Agencies begin to implement motivational interviewing. The performance of your agency’s risk/need tool is examined; perhaps considering the use of specialized assessment tools for women, sex offenses, domestic violence, or DUI cases. Effective one-on-one interventions established within the agency, such as Four Core Competencies, Core Correctional Practices, EPICS, and use of Carey Guides and BITS, begin to gel. Agencies focus their attention on clients who are moderate and high risk as officers implement case planning. Finally, protocols are put in place to ensure fidelity of the EBP implementation and, ultimately, the success of the initiatives.

My tips for leaders during stage two:

• Stage two is a grind that can take many years to complete.
• Change is never easy—be prepared for resistance from staff and uncertainty about your progress.  
• Adjust protocols based on outcomes and eliminate or modify practices that are not producing desired outcomes.  
• Build on practices that provide positive outcomes.
• The reward comes when the outcomes demonstrate that the painstaking work of stage two implementation paid dividends with reductions in recidivism and improving safety in the communities we serve.

Next Month:  Employee Wellness

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.