Principles for Evidence-Based Practices
with Justice-Involved Populations
What is Evidence-Based Practice?
“To qualify as an evidence-based practice or program, research must demonstrate that a specific
practice or program increases the likelihood of positive outcomes. Promising practices or programs are
those that are associated with positive outcomes, but do not yet have the evidence base to be
considered EBPs. EBPs are the most reliable way to achieve desired outcomes and should be provided
whenever possible. However, there are many services that have not been designated as EBPs but still
may be important components of a comprehensive treatment plan.”1
Practice vs. program
A practice represents a specific skill or technique whereas a program is a consolidation of multiple skills
and techniques used together in specific fashion. Both practices and programs can be based in
evidence. A program that uses some evidence-based practices cannot necessarily be considered an
evidence-based program if it has not itself been sufficiently studied.
Promising vs. Evidence-Based
Promising practices are ones which have had some positive evaluations but have not yet been studied
rigorously enough to be considered evidence-based. Promising practices represent growth within the
practice field and in some areas of practice are the best available practices.
Finding and Implementing Evidence-Based Practices
While there are practices identified as being evidence-based, EBP is also a philosophy that guides
practice in the field. EBP within a program or organization is about using expertise in practice to work
with a client and identify their needs and possible courses of action. Practitioners must take into
consideration what needs the client has identified and client preferences as well as research and
evaluation evidence to inform practice.2
Principles
Assessment
Measure Relevant Processes/Practices: An accurate and detailed documentation of case information
and staff performance, along with a formal and valid mechanism for measuring outcomes, is the
foundation of evidence-based practice3.
1
Blandford, A. M., & Osher, F. C. (2012). A Checklist for Implementing Evidence-Based Practices and Programs for
Justice-Involved Adults with Behavioral Health Disorders. Rockville, MD: SAMHSA’s GAINS Center for Behavioral
Health and Justice Transformation.
2
Scott, W. (2008). Effective Clinical Practices in Treating Clients in the Criminal Justice System. Washington, DC:
National Institute of Corrections.
3
National Institute of Corrections. (2012). The Principles of Effective Interventions. Retrieved from National
Institute of Corrections: http://nicic.gov/ThePrinciplesofEffectiveInterventions
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Provide Measurement Feedback: Providing feedback builds accountability and maintains integrity,
ultimately improving outcomes.4
Assess Actuarial Risk/Needs: Assessing offenders' risk and needs (focusing on dynamic and static risk
factors and criminogenic needs) at the individual and aggregate levels is essential for implementing the
principles of best practice5.
Address Intrinsic Motivation
Enhance Intrinsic Motivation: Research strongly suggests that "motivational interviewing" techniques,
rather than persuasion tactics, effectively enhance motivation for initiating and maintaining behavior
change.”6 These techniques evaluate the individual’s desire for change, what barriers they perceive and
ensure greater client buy-in to services.
Targeted Interventions/Services 7
Risk-Need-Responsivity
Risk Principle - Prioritize supervision and treatment resources for higher risk offenders.
Need Principle - Target interventions to criminogenic needs.
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Central Eight8- evidence-based risk factors/criminogenic needs to reduce recidivism.
o History of Anti-Social Behavior
 Either official criminal history or pattern of participation in illegal or anti-social
activities
o Anti-social Personality Pattern
 A pattern of behavior that involves manipulating, exploiting or violating the
rights of others.9 The individual does not need to meet full criteria for a
diagnosis of Anti-Social Personality Disorder.
o Anti-social Attitudes
 Individual has a positive attitude or perception of anti-social/criminal behaviors.
o Anti-social Associates
 Individual has family, friends and/or is associated with individuals who
participate in anti-social and/or criminal activities
o
Family / Marital Factors
4
National Institute of Corrections, 2012
National Institute of Corrections, 2012
6
National Institute of Corrections, 2012;
Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2002). Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change (2nd ed.). New York:
Guilford Press.
7
National Institute of Corrections, 2012
8
Andrews, D. A., & Bonta, J. (2010). The psychology of criminal conduct (5th ed.). Cincinnati, OH: Anderson
Publishing Company.
9
A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. (2010, November 4). Antisocial personality disorder. Retrieved from PubMed
Health: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001919/
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o
o
o
Extent and quality of the relationships that the prisoner/ex-offender has with
family members or significant other.
Lack of Achievement in Education / Employment
 Not having at least graduating from high school or receiving a GED and/or not
having a significant attachment to the legal workforce prior to or postincarceration
Substance Abuse
 Substance abuse or dependence is a maladaptive use of substances meeting
criteria as defined by the DSM-IV.10
Lack of Pro-social Leisure Activities
 Pro-social leisure activities are activities taking place in the individual’s free time
that do not promote anti-social/maladaptive/illegal habits or activities.
Responsivity Principle - Be responsive to temperament, learning style, motivation, gender, and culture
when assigning to programs.
Treatment Principle
Integrate treatment into full sentence/sanctions requirements.
Supports for Client
Engage Ongoing Support in Natural Communities
Realign and actively engage pro-social support for offenders in their communities for positive
reinforcement of desired new behaviors.11
Increase Positive Reinforcement
Focus on what the individual is doing well. Apply four positive reinforcements for every one negative
reinforcement for optimal behavior change results12.
Measurement and Evaluation
Strategic Plans
A strategic plan is a document laying out an organization’s vision, mission and goals as well as the
actions and programs needed to attain those goals. A strategic plan is generally a collaborative
document put together by key individuals within the organization, their board and possibly other
stakeholders. It is the basis for organizational decision-making and program logic models.
Logic Models
Logic Models are a visual that demonstrate all of the critical aspects of a program and how they fit
together. A well written logic model should illustrate all of the aspects of a program and their intended
effects over time in ways that are measureable and realistic. It is both a planning and an evaluation tool.
Resources for Logic Models
10
Full criteria can be found here: http://www.sis.indiana.edu/DSM-IV-Criteria.aspx
National Institute of Corrections, 2012
12
National Institute of Corrections, 2012
11
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Kellogg Foundation Logic Model Development Guide: http://www.wkkf.org/knowledgecenter/resources/2006/02/wk-kellogg-foundation-logic-model-development-guide.aspx
UW Extension-Logic Model Builder:
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/evaluation/evallogicmodel.html
Child Welfare League Logic Model Builder: https://toolkit.childwelfare.gov/toolkit/home.do
Evaluation
Evaluation is critical to understand if programs or interventions are having their desired effect.
Programs and interventions should be developed with evaluation in mind. Consistent evaluation is
useful both for internal decision-making but also is necessary for reporting grant deliverables and
applying for future funding.
Resources for Evaluation
 Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Center for Program Evaluation and Performance Management:
https://www.bja.gov/evaluation/
 The Performance-Based Management Handbook:
http://www.orau.gov/pbm/pbmhandbook/volume%202.pdf
 Evaluation Toolkit: http://toolkit.pellinstitute.org/evaluation-guide/planbudget/choose-anevaluation-design/
 Evaluation Strategies for Human Service Programs: A Guide for Policy Makers & Providers:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/evaluation/guide/documents/evaluation_strategies.html
Collaboration 13
Prisoners/ex-offenders may have a number of co -occurring needs or disorders. Services
should be coordinated between different departments or agencies working with the
individual and their families to ensure needs are met and services are effective .
Resources for Evidence-Based Practices & Programs
Annie E. Casey Foundation
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Juvenile Justice: http://www.aecf.org/KnowledgeCenter/JuvenileJustice.aspx
Incarceration & Reentry:
http://www.aecf.org/KnowledgeCenter/SpecialInterestAreas/IncarcerationandReentry.aspx
Blueprints for Violence Prevention:
http://www.colorado.edu/cspv/blueprints/index.html
Campbell Collaboration: http://www.campbellcollaboration.org/
The Community Toolbox: http://ctb.ku.edu/en/default.aspx
Institute of Behavioral Research at TCU: http://www.ibr.tcu.edu/
MedLines Plus: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/
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Scott, 2008
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National Institute on Corrections: http://nicic.gov/
National Reentry Resource Center: http://nationalreentryresourcecenter.org
Office of Justice Programs- Crime Solutions: http://www.crimesolutions.gov/
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Model Programs Guide:
http://www.ojjdp.gov/mpg/
Reentry Policy Council: http://reentrypolicy.org/
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration : http://www.samhsa.gov/
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Store (free and paid publications): http://store.samhsa.gov/home
National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices: http://nrepp.samhsa.gov/
GAINS Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation: http://gainscenter.samhsa.gov/
National Center for Trauma-Informed Care: http://www.samhsa.gov/nctic/
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare: http://www.ncsacw.samhsa.gov/
Medication Assisted Treatment: http://www.dpt.samhsa.gov/
The Urban Institute: http://www.urban.org
Vera Institute of Justice : http://www.vera.org
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