NCJ Number
226726
Date Published
April 2004
Length
22 pages
Annotation
The research reviewed indicates that certain programs and intervention strategies, when applied to a variety of offender populations, reliably produce sustained reductions in recidivism; however, this same research literature indicates that only a few community supervision agencies (probation, parole, residential community corrections) in the United States are using these effective interventions and their concepts/principles.
Abstract
An integrated and strategic model for evidence-based practice is required in order to bridge the gap between current practice and evidence-supported practice in community corrections. The primary challenge in adopting evidence-based practices is to change the existing systems in order to support the new evidence-based innovations. Identifying interventions with strong research support and realigning the organizational infrastructure in order to implement these interventions are both important in ensuring that effective practices are established and maintained. This paper outlines and briefly discusses eight evidence-based principles for effective community-based interventions. These principles are as follows: Assess actuarial risk/needs; enhance intrinsic motivation; target interventions; skill train with directed practice (use cognitive behavioral treatment methods); increase positive reinforcement; engage ongoing support in natural communities; measure relevant processes/practices; and provide measurement feedback. The third principle ("target interventions") has five components. First, prioritize supervision and treatment resources for higher risk offenders; second, target interventions to criminogenic needs; third, be responsive to temperament, learning style, motivation, culture, and gender when assigning programs; fourth, structure 40-70 percent of high-risk offenders; time for 3-9 months; and fifth, integrate treatment into the full sentence/sanction requirements. Aligning these evidence-based principles with the core components of an agency is the challenge that must be met if an agency is to facilitate reductions in recidivism. 72 references and 5 appendixes that pertain to components of correctional interventions; implementing the principles of evidence-based practice; applying the principles at the case, agency and system levels; 7 recommended guidelines for implementing effective interventions; and levels of research evidence