The Minnesota Evidence-Based Practices
Policy Team: 2010 Annual Report
____________________________________________________________________________________
Date:
August 16, 2010
To:
Commissioner Joan Fabian, Minnesota Department of Corrections
From:
John A. Klavins (Chair) & Evidence-Based Practices Policy Team Members
Subject:
2010 Annual Report from the EBP Policy Team (July, 2009– August, 2010)
______________________________________________________________________________
The Minnesota Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) Policy Team was initially formed in April of
2004 by request of the Commissioner of Corrections. The essential purpose of the EBP Policy
Team is to support and strengthen the use of evidence-based practices throughout Minnesota’s
correctional delivery systems, both in the institutions and in the field of probation and parole.
The EBP Policy Team’s mission is “To provide leadership that promotes and sustains the
statewide use of Evidence-Based Practices.”
Background
In December 2003, the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) requested technical
assistance from the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) to advise the state on enhancing the
use of evidence-based practices throughout all delivery systems. NIC agreed to provide short
term assistance for this project. In January 2004, an ad hoc advisory group was formed to explore
different options for furthering “best practices” and to prepare an agenda for the NIC consultants.
Elyse Clawson and Lore Joplin, from the Crime and Justice Institute in Boston, served as
technical assistance providers and made their first visit to Minnesota on February 19 & 20, 2004.
Following the initial meeting with the NIC consultants, a multi-delivery system team designed to
represent the three statewide probation systems and the correctional facilities was formed with
the following structure: three representatives selected by the Community Corrections Act (CCA)
county directors; three representatives selected by the County Probation Office (CPO) directors;
three Field Services administrators from the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC); one
DOC prison warden; and several staff member representing the DOC Commissioner’s office and
other special project areas. The EBP Policy Team formally reports to the Minnesota Information
and Supervision Systems (MISS) statewide committee, which is currently chaired by DOC
Deputy Commissioner Chris Bray.
EBP Policy Team members currently representing CCA counties include: Carol Roberts
(Ramsey County Community Corrections), Doug Lambert (DFO Community Corrections), Deb
West (Kandiyohi County Community Corrections) and Julie Trisko (Hennepin County
Community Corrections). Members currently representing CPO counties include: John Klavins,
Chair (Carver County Court Services), Steve Kley (Nicollet County Court Services) and Tim
MacMillan (Isanti County Probation/Court Services).
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Team members representing DOC Field Services include: Jill Carlson (Field Services Director),
Andy Doom (Northern Regional Manager) and Swantje Willers (Southern Regional Manager).
Other DOC representatives include Tracy Beltz (Warden at MCF-Shakopee), Jason Anderson
(EBP Project Manager), Mary Jo Caldwell (Continuous Improvement Manager) and Chris
Bray (Deputy Commissioner). Throughout the past year, Karen McCarty (DOC Administrative
Services Director) assisted the EBP Policy Team with coordination of the legislative report and
study which is noted below; however she retired in July of 2010 after many years of dedicated
service to the DOC.
Current Policy Team Organization
During the latter half of 2009 and for most of 2010, the EBP Policy Team continued to meet
every other month in entirety, and also periodically via smaller subgroups. This past year the
team was reorganized into four subgroups, with additional representatives (managers and
practitioners) added from all delivery systems. Each subgroup, consisting of 5 to 10
representatives, continues to focus on specific areas as required for the “Study of Evidence-Based
Practices in Minnesota - Legislative Report” (Session Laws of Minnesota 2009, Chapter 59,
Article 4 – see attached copy). The study and final report will be completed and presented to the
MN State Legislature in January of 2011.
EBP Policy Team working subgroups and current chairs are noted below:
1) Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices (intended to reduce recidivism):
Chair: John Klavins, Director - Carver County Court Services
2) Improvement of Policies & Practices for Crime Victims:
Chair: Jill Carlson, Director – DOC Field Services
3) Establishment of an Earned Compliance Credit Program:
Chair: Andy Doom, Regional Manager – MN DOC Northern Region
4) Performance Measures & Incentives for Community Supervision Agencies:
Chair: Doug Lambert, Director – DFO Community Corrections
Accomplishments & Topics Addressed (July, 2009 – August, 2010):
Below is a partial list of specific accomplishments and topics that the EBP Policy Team
members addressed during this past year. As indicated below, meetings, discussions, and projects
have remained focused on supporting EBP efforts of corrections practitioners and administrators,
and key stakeholders and other participants in the juvenile and criminal justice system statewide.
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
During the past year, the Policy Team coordinated the majority of its resources and time
toward the development of a comprehensive report for the MN State Legislature
regarding the following areas: 1) The implementation and use of evidence-based
practices intended to reduce recidivism; 2) Improvement of policies and practices for
crime victims; 3) Establishment of an earned compliance credit program (for those under
community supervision); 4) Performance measures for community supervision agencies;
5) Potential performance incentives for community supervision agencies. The final
report is due by Jan. 15th, 2011.

Developed and conducted a statewide multi-delivery system survey which assisted the
Policy Team in measuring the “extent to which evidence-based practices are currently
used in Minnesota,” and the resources needed to further implement EBP. One hundred
percent (100%) of surveyed agencies responded to this request; nearly 60 agencies
providing adult and/or juvenile probation supervision services.

EBP Project Manager (Jason Anderson) provided ongoing information and training to
numerous correctional agencies and facilities throughout the state (see attached list of
training events and meetings and the special note below regarding this position).

Team members maintained ongoing dialogue and feedback with current statewide EBP
informal networks and groups, including ORAN (Offender Risk Assessment Network),
ECM (Effective Case Management/case planning group of trainers and practitioners),
MN CogNet (Minnesota Cognitive-Behavioral Network), MI group (Motivational
Interviewing practitioners) and the MN DOC Advisory Task Force on Female Offenders.

Recommended and supported ongoing training that strengthens Motivational
Interviewing skills and techniques for probation officers, case workers, and managers.
These training sessions were organized through the work of the EBP Project Manager,
and with the assistance of other trainers and teachers. Also, supported MI Level II Coaching Series and practice sessions, which some agencies began to implement in 2010.

Supported the multi-county MCORP reentry pilot project with Ramsey County,
Hennepin County, and Dodge, Fillmore and Olmsted (DFO) Counties. Tim Lantz, former
EBP Policy Team member from the DOC, provided ongoing information on this project
in 2009.

Team members participated in discussions and planning efforts with several state
universities, encouraging the further development of college level curricula that focus on
correctional evidenced-based practices (in the classroom and via e-learning). This will
provide greater learning opportunities for students who are pursuing careers in
corrections, probation and related fields.
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EBP Project Manager Position:
Policy Team members strongly support the continuation of an EBP Project Manager position,
and any additional resources that can be utilized in collaboration with other correctional
agencies. As corrections agencies and institutions continue to implement and move further ahead
with EBP focused practices and policies, ongoing coordination, management, training and
quality control issues will need proper attention and greater focus. Positions such as the “EBP
Project Manager” are essential. Hopefully, this position and others like it will become more
prevalent and permanent, and should continue to be a collaborative resource among agencies and
institutions, providing specific staff skills dedicated to addressing the challenges of
implementing effective evidence-based approaches. From a long term perspective, reducing
recidivism by providing correctional services that encourage and support positive behavior
change will result in a cost savings and enhanced public safety. However, appropriate
management, coordination, ongoing training and measurement of outcomes and results should be
a designated priority.
Training sessions and presentations organized and facilitated by the EBP Project Manager
Position, ranging from EBP basics for staff to very specific EBP skills-based workshops for
practitioners in the field (i.e. offender assessment, case plans, cognitive skills, etc.), have
benefited many agencies throughout the state.
The EBP Team members are certainly aware of ongoing funding and resource restrictions that
significantly impact resource allocations. However, further exploration into collaborative EBP
manager positions and local or regional coordinators and trainers for these efforts should be
considered by leaders in all three delivery systems. This is challenging work and there is ongoing
appreciation for the effort of dedicated and talented staff members such as Jason Anderson, EBP
Project Manager.
Team members are also grateful for the continued support from administrators and staff from the
DOC, CCA and CPO agencies who are committed to maintain a priority focus on the
implementation of EBP practices and services statewide. Collaboration among agencies and
service providers is essential in moving forward and doing “what works” and achieving
outcomes that increase public safety in the most cost-effective manner over the long-term.
Annual Goals and Objectives for the EBP Policy Team (August, 2010 – July, 2011):
1. Primary Goal: Completion of the “Study of Evidence-Based Practices in Minnesota;
Report to the Legislature.” Targeted due date of October 15th, 2010; due to MN State
Legislature by January 15th, 2011 (See attachment A for more details).
a) Review first draft of full report on 09-02-10, including identified barriers
b) Review second draft on 10-07-10, including solutions and initial
recommendations. Revise sections as necessary.
EBP Policy Team Annual Report – Page 5
c) Finalize report on 11-18-10 and submit to DOC for final review and approvals
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d) Submit completed version to the Minnesota Legislature by 01-15-2011
2. Assist with implementation of recommended EBP practices and standards, including
offender risk and needs assessment, effective case planning, enhancement of intrinsic
motivation for positive change, targeted interventions and quality assurance.
3. Maintain and periodically update the recommended listing of guidelines, principles, and
implementation considerations for agencies that are interested in pursuing and/or
strengthening the use of EBP strategies and approaches. Note: This list is currently
available to all via the DOC EBP Web link:
http://forums.doc.state.mn.us/ebp/policy/default.aspx
4. Policy Team members will continue to support statewide practitioner and trainer
networks and effort which focus on effective EBP programs and services.
The EBP Policy Team currently meets on the first Thursday of every month at the DOC - Central
Office. EBP workgroups or subcommittees may meet more often based on assigned tasks and
initiatives. Workgroup members may also include other correctional administrators and
experienced practitioners and trainers who can assist in gathering information, planning, and
making recommendations.
EBP Policy Team members are very grateful for the support and assistance from Commissioner
Fabian, Deputy Commissioner Bray, administrators from DOC Field Services and Facilities
Divisions, the staff from MACCAC agencies and MACPO-County Probation Offices. We also
would like to thank participants from the various statewide networks who have provided
feedback and offered many creative ideas and much positive energy into some of the specific
areas outlined in this report. Please feel free to contact any of the EBP Policy Team members if
you have questions, comments or suggestions.
Attachments:
List of past years EBP related training sessions and workshops
Session Laws of MN 2009, Ch 59, Art. 4: “Study of Evidence-Based Practices in Minnesota”
CC: Deputy Commissioner Chris Bray
EBP Policy Team members
EBP Policy Team - 2010 Annual Report Attachments
a) Legislative Report Requirements
b) List of past years EBP related training activities
EBP Policy Team Annual Report – Page 6
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Report to the MN Legislature regarding Evidence-Based Practices due January 15th, 2011
18.6 Sec. 8. STUDY OF EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES IN MINNESOTA;
18.7REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE.
18.8 Subdivision 1. Direction. The Department of Correction's Minnesota Information
18.9and Supervision Services Committee's Evidence-Based Practices Policy Team shall
18.10undertake an assessment of the use of evidence-based practices for community supervision
18.11in Minnesota and opportunities for greater implementation of evidence-based practices.
18.12 Subd. 2. Subject matter. (a) The policy team must review, assess, and make
18.13specific recommendations with regard to the following areas:
18.14(1) implementation of evidence-based practices intended to reduce recidivism;
18.15(2) improvement of policies and practices for crime victims;
18.16(3) establishment of an earned compliance credit program;
18.17(4) performance measures for community supervision agencies;
18.18(5) potential performance incentives for community supervision agencies; and
18.19(6) any other topic related to evidence-based practices that the committee deems
18.20appropriate for inclusion.
18.21(b) In assessing the topics listed in paragraph (a), the policy team must address
18.22the following:
18.23(1) the extent to which evidence-based practices are currently used in Minnesota;
18.24(2) fiscal barriers to further implementation of evidence-based practices;
18.25(3) structural barriers to further implementation of evidence-based practices;
18.26(4) statutory barriers to further implementation of evidence-based practices;
18.27(5) potential solutions that address the identified barriers; and
18.28(6) any other factor that the committee deems necessary to fully assess the state
18.29of evidence-based practices in Minnesota.
18.30 Subd. 3. Report to legislature. The policy team shall report its findings
18.31and recommendations to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of
18.32representatives and senate committees and divisions with jurisdiction over criminal justice
18.33policy and funding by January 15, 2011.
18.34EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2009.
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Evidence Based Practices Project Manager
Training Report FY2010 – by Jason Anderson (MN DOC)
Fiscal Year 2010 (07/01/09 – 06/30/10) was yet another active year in regards to the ongoing training of
evidence based practices in Minnesota. What is perhaps the most noteworthy is the increased amount of
training hours surrounding quality assurance. While it has long been established (both in policy and in
practice) that staff partake in annual booster training for various evidence-based practices, recent efforts
concerning quality assurance is reflected in this year’s training summary. Further, there were two
noteworthy train-the-trainer events that transpired in FY2010. A Motivational Interviewing train-thetrainer (which had begun at the end of FY2009) concluded in January after a total of 72 hours of
classroom contact. A total of 13 staff, representing field services, DOC facilities and 3 CCA agencies
who completed the process. This creation of internal capacity greatly impacts our state’s ability to move
forward with a comprehensive implementation of Motivational Interviewing. The second train-the-trainer
event took place in the spring and was in regards to the Level of Services Inventory – Revised. Myself
and Hennepin County EBP Planning Specialist, Julie Trisko, became certified as Expert LSI-T Trainers in
FY2010, which qualified us to facilitate this training.
Captioned below is a summary of EBP-related courses that took place in FY2010. These training
sessions were delivered by representatives from all three correctional delivery systems.
Course:
Effective Case Management (Full)
(Booster)
Number of Courses:
3
6
Total Hours:
48
16
YLS
(Full)
(Booster)
1
8
16
15
LSI-R
(Full)
(T4T)
(Booster)
(QA session)
1
1
16
10
16
32
33
21
Thinking For a Change
(Full)
(Booster)
(other)
2
2
5
62
6
20
Motivational Interviewing
(Level I)
(Level II)
(Booster)
(T4T)
3
4
6
1
48
24
20
48
EBP Overview
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6
Total: 85 Courses
7
432 Hours