Researchers-Practioner Collaboration in Community Corrections: Overcoming Hurdles for Successful Partnerships

• NCJ Number: 206069
• Journal: Criminal Justice Review Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2004 Pages: 97-114
• Author(s): Jodi Lane; Susan Turner; Carmen Flores
• Editor(s): Michael S. Vaughn
• Date Published: 2004
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Utilizing a recently completed 4-year demonstration project, designed to provide multiagency services to youth on probation in California, this article attempts to increase the level of understanding between researchers and practitioners on the need to collaborate and develop successful partnerships when evaluating a funded project for informative evaluation results and continued funding.

Abstract

Generally, funding agencies require evaluation of proposed demonstration projects to ensure that the money is well spent. By necessity, this funding requirement brings together researchers and practitioners. These groups typically have opposing views about the purpose and value of research which can create conflicts between the two. Experience indicates that once the project is funded and the program is in place, it becomes difficult to work out the nuts and bolts of working together. This article attempts to increase the level of understanding between researchers and practitioners, drawing on lessons learned during the collaboration on a 4-year demonstration project designed to use multiagency services and collaboration to serve youth on probation in Ventura County, California. The article sheds light on how perspectives differed on key issues and how there was the ability to negotiate so that both parties were satisfied with the results. Key issues are discussed that present the most difficult challenges. Strategies are discussed that have been used to overcome differences and to create a trusting ongoing working relationship. Lastly, the benefits are described that have been seen as a result of working well together and the reasons that it is believed that such collaborations are worth the extra effort by both parties. As collaborators share their experiences and solutions, evaluator-practitioner relationships will likely improve, leading to long-term mutually beneficial relationships and more informative evaluation results. References