Comprehensive Framework for Paroling Authorities in an Era of Evidence-Based Practice

• NCJ Number: 221895
• Author(s): Nancy Campbell
• Date Published: February 2008
• Length: 112 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Corrections
• Corporate Author: Campbell Consulting
• Sale Source: National Institute of Corrections
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded March 10, 2008

Annotation

This monograph assists paroling authorities and those who appoint them in funding their programs and services, overseeing their actions, and supporting their efforts to use evidence-based practices (EBP) to improve parole decisionmaking.

Abstract

A review of the history of parole shows that it has been influenced by a variety of perspectives, ideologies, and reforms, such that determining how to proceed in the current context requires the selection of existing practices that have proven their effectiveness in various settings and for various parolee profiles. Further, unproven innovations must be pilot-tested for their effectiveness before being widely used. One section of the monograph provides an overview of the elements of parole and how they combine in different systems. The roles of system players are identified and explained for each stage. This is followed by a section that defines evidence-based practice. EBP involves an assessment of the features and underlying assumptions of current practices, a review of what valid research has reported on the effectiveness of those practices, and measuring the impact of changes in practices for both their implementation and outcomes. The author advises that implementing evidence-based practices requires that the parole organization change current habits, beliefs, assumptions, and practices, so as to institute proven practices and procedures. This involves creating an organizational culture that supports the use of EBP and the development of leadership committed to organizational changes that facilitate EBP. Another section of the monograph highlights the role paroling authorities have in transition and reentry planning as well as ways in which they have led collaborative partnerships in creating programs that are currently being evaluated for their ability to address criminogenic needs. The concluding section suggests short-term and long-term steps for enhancing individual, team, organizational, and system effectiveness. 42 references