Evidence-Based Practice Flashcards
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
approach to community corrections that focuses on using proven risk reduction strategies for offenders.
relies on researched, scientific studies to identify the programs, or interventions that produce the most significant positive results for offenders.
based on the view that interventions are most effective when they address identified risk factors and promote positive behavior change, contributing to fewer reoffenders and greater public safety.
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
(Principles)
Chapter 944, F.S., provides the Department of Corrections the authority “to provide intensive and meaningful supervision for those on probation so that the condition or situation which caused the person to commit the crime is corrected.”
Florida law requires officers to “use all practicable and proper methods to aid and encourage” offenders and “to bring about improvement in their conduct and condition.”
Intervention Principles
• Assess actual risk/needs.
• Enhance intrinsic motivation.
• Target interventions:
o Risk Principle: prioritize supervision and treatment resources for higher risk offenders
o Need Principle: target interventions to criminogenic needs
o Responsivity Principle: be responsive to temperament, learning style, motivation, culture, and gender when assigning programs
o Dosage or frequency of interaction: structure 40% to 70% of high-risk offender’s time for three to nine months
• Train with directed practice (use cognitive behavioral treatment methods).
• Increase positive reinforcement.
• Engage ongoing support in the offender’s natural community.
• Measure relevant processes and practices (fidelity).
• Provide measurement feedback
Risk Principle
prioritize supervision and treatment resources for higher risk offenders
targets higher risk offenders (WHO)
concentrate resources on offenders most likely to fail when released from incarceration.
Need Principle
target interventions to criminogenic needs
targets criminogenic risk/need factors (WHAT)
Responsivity Principle
be responsive to temperament, learning style, motivation, culture, and gender when assigning programs
Dosage or frequency of interaction
structure 40% to 70% of high-risk offender’s time for three to nine months
Target interventions
Risk Principle, Need Principle, Responsivity Principle, Dosage or frequency of interaction
Criminogenic needs
risk factors or behaviors associated with failure of traditional forms of rehabilitation, leading to recidivism
Criminogenic Factors
• a history of antisocial behavior
• an antisocial personality pattern
• antisocial attitudes
• antisocial associates, peers
• family and/or marital stressors
• a lack of employment stability, achievement, or education
• a lack of pro-social leisure activities
• substance abuse
Treatment Principle
uses behavioral approaches (HOW)
identifies which interventions will achieve the most effective results for a particular offender
integrating treatment programs into supervision plans and proactively managing an offender’s progress
Fidelity Principle
implements the program as designed (HOW WELL)
identifies how effectively programs deliver interventions, and emphasizes that programs should be research-based and implemented as designed
Make sure that programs are of sufficient length, focus, and quality to assist an offender and that properly trained staff deliver the interventions
If an offender is not adequately progressing, intervene to correct, working with the offender to make necessary changes or updates to the plan
Four Principles of Practice
Risk Principle, Need Principle, Treatment Principle, Fidelity Principle
Applying EBP
consider an offender’s type and level of supervision and any special conditions
take into account the offender’s criminogenic needs
match the offender with the initiatives that best address their needs
higher risk offenders usually benefit from longer interventions than lower risk offenders
Thinking for a Change (T4C)
a program designed by the National Institute of Corrections to help an offender learn and practice healthy behavior, social skills, and problem solving.
through role play, an offender can practice control of their thoughts, feelings, and interactions with others in increasingly complex situations.
the goal of behavioral interventions is to reduce antisocial thinking, recognize risky thinking and feelings, and adopt alternative thinking patterns
reduce association with “antisocial others” and enhance contact with “pro-social others
