NCJ Number
251667
Date Published
December 2016
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This instructional material provides probation officers who serve on drug court teams with information on ways to ensure they are using supervision strategies and skills that are evidence-based; and drug court team members are guided in ways to ensure they are leveraging the skills and resources of probation officers on their teams and providing them the support needed to do their jobs effectively.
Abstract
Probation officers on drug court teams are first instructed in risk-need-responsivity (RNR) theory, which underlies evidence-based practice. Identifying a client's risk for problem behavior determines who should be the focus for increased time and services. Identification of a client's needs is essential for connecting him/her to the appropriate services. Responsivity involves the identification of the nature and intensity of services required to meet a client's needs. After profiling the RNR theory of probationer management, the instruction focuses on the "core correctional practices" (CCPs) that have been developed to complement the RNR framework. CCPs are based on social-learning techniques. They include cognitive-behavioral, interactional skill sets linked to positive behavioral change. These skills provide practitioners with methods for identifying antisocial behaviors and attitudes during personal interactions, as well as prosocial skills that include behavior modeling and structured feedback. Incorporation of RNR principles and CCPs should transition from probation officers' regular supervision caseload to their drug court caseload. The following six practice tips are discussed: 1) Use validated risk and need assessment tools; 2) Use RNR and CCPs to go beyond compliance monitoring; 3) Develop plans and goals based on need and responsivity factors; 4) Include treatment goals in case and goal plans; 5) Use participant and program data to enhance the program; and 6) Be a team player. 69 references