Implementing Evidence-Based Practices and Principles With Criminal Justice Populations

2018 ◽  
pp. 155-176
Author(s):  
George T. Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Evidence Based Practices

Strengthening Evaluation Research: A Case Study of an Evaluability Assessment Conducted in a Carceral Setting

2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (10) ◽  
pp. 3185-3200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail Henson
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Evaluation Research ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Evidence Based Practices ◽  
Evaluability Assessment ◽  
Methodological Rigor ◽  
Precise Understanding ◽  
Fatherhood Program ◽  
Critical Exploration

Over the last decade, criminal justice scholars have increasingly endorsed “evidence-based practices”; however, some criminologists have voiced concerns over the varied methodological rigor used by evaluation researchers, differing definitions of evidence, and lack of critical exploration as to why programs may be (in)effective. This article argues that evaluability assessments (EAs) can answer these concerns. Through a case study of an EA used on a prison-based fatherhood program, this article demonstrates how EA’s approach leads to a more precise understanding of outcome operationalization, and allows for the democratization of research, which is particularly important in a carceral setting.

Mistaken Assumptions in Addressing Racial Disparities in Behavioral Health Applied to Criminal Justice

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-30
Author(s):  
Melissa Neal Stein
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Critical Race Theory ◽  
Racial Disparities ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Behavioral Health ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Structural Racism ◽  
Evidence Based Practices ◽  
Diverse Groups

People of color are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system. Many jurisdictions attempt to reduce racial disparities; however, they often do not incorporate strategies to effectively address institutional and structural racism. Resulting data reveal no effect or an exacerbating effect on disparities. This commentary attempts to translate three mistaken assumptions from the field of behavioral health, so that they apply to criminal justice system reforms. The mistaken assumptions for criminal justice are that system-wide reform efforts will naturally reduce disparities, current reforms meet the needs of diverse communities, and evidence-based practices have been tested for their impact on diverse groups. These may be countered with the following recommendations: apply critical race theory, respond to communities' needs, and adapt evidence-based practices.

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