Whether you’re an early adopter of evidence-based practice (EBP) or you’re in the initial implementation phase, building and maintaining a foundational knowledge of the fundamentals of EBP is essential for new staff, reassigned staff, and stakeholders. Regularly revisiting the fundamentals keeps them fresh in everyone’s minds.

The PPCJI website and monthly emails provide justice professionals around Pennsylvania with basic, intermediate, and advanced information and resources that support EBP implementation at any stage.

 New EBP Resources 

We’re excited to announce the launch of two new EBP resources:

• EBP Overview eLearning Course — available for on-demand viewing
• Online EBP Knowledge Test — link is also below

Both resources will help new and seasoned staff stay apprised of EBP fundamentals. Test your EBP knowledge and the knowledge of team members by taking the short test today.

 EPB Briefs 

Located on the website, EBP Briefs are research-informed, single-page, double-sided documents focused on various topics to assist with EBP implementation. The briefs are arranged in a set of seven different series that target an array of EBP topics and stakeholder audiences. New briefs are added to the website regularly and highlighted in the monthly email.

Below are several briefs designed to provide all justice system practitioners an EBP overview:

What are Evidence-Based Practices?

Focus: Eight key evidence-based practices and a few examples of EBPs that we incorporate into our daily lives.

Risk-Need-Responsivity Principles

Focus: Explanations of the risk, need, and responsivity principles and how they should be applied. The brief helps answer the who, how, and why we need to apply these principles to justice practices.

Criminogenic Needs

Focus: Overview of the factors that are correlated with recidivism and responses to help address each factor.

Changing Probation and Parole Practices

Focus: Practices for probation and parole to use moving forward, benefits of these practices, and potential challenges. Examples of past practices and new practices are provided.

Unintentionally Doing Harm

Focus: Justice system practices, potential harms, and ways to mitigate those harms and increase success rates.

 Webinar: Caseload Management

High probation and parole caseloads often preclude or diminish the impact of evidence-based approaches proven to promote people’s success in remaining law-abiding. The PA EBP Implementation Workgroup facilitated a webinar on Caseload Management. This 90-minute webinar provided a review of the research and recommendations on caseload size and provided leadership with specific strategies they can incorporate in their jurisdictions to improve outcomes.

Moderator:

Deputy Director Ashlee Lynn, Allegheny County Adult Probation and Parole

Panelists:

Executive Director Regina Himes, Armstrong Probation

Chief Douglas Ritson, Butler County Probation

Director Chadwick J. Libby, Dauphin County Probation Services

Pro Tip:

Early on, when learning the fundamentals of EBP, I created an analogy that helped me to connect the dots on this objective, balanced, and responsible use of research and data.

When medical attention is required, we call a medical professional/doctor. When behavior intervention is needed, justice professionals use similar techniques as doctors:

• Unknown or Known Ailment (criminal act and/or behavior) > If we do not address this ailment, the act or behavior may continue.

• Examination/Testing > Complete a Risk, Needs, and Responsivity Assessment.
• Findings > Identify risk level to reoffend and the criminogenic needs to reduce the risk.

• Prescription and/or Treatment Modality > Target and tailor interventions based on risk, needs, and responsivity factors; by building motivation; and utilizing cognitive behavioral techniques, sanctions, and positive reinforcement.

Director Chadwick J. Libby, Dauphin County Probation Services 

Next Month:  Effective Interventions 

Positive change is possible for everyone in Pennsylvania. We look forward to continuing to enhance your EBP knowledge and invite you to submit education/resource requests to askppcji@gmail.com.