Sorting Through the Evidence: A Step Toward Prioritization of Evidence-Based Community Supervision Practices

2021 ◽  
pp. 009385482110364
Author(s):  
Brandy L. Blasko ◽  
Liana R. Taylor ◽  
Jill Viglione ◽  
Faye S. Taxman
Keyword(s):  
Linear Models ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Treatment Compliance ◽  
Probation Officers ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Community Supervision ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Policies And Procedures ◽  
Criminogenic Needs ◽  
Supervision Practices

Studies of implementation of evidence-based supervision policies and procedures often report minimal to moderate adherence to evidence-based models. The few studies that exist examine the degree to which characteristics of probation officers, individuals on supervision, and supervision processes have an impact on rearrest (outcomes). Using administrative data on 7,326 probationers and surveys from 161 probation officers employed by five agencies, hierarchical linear models were used to identify the features of supervision processes that are most important to reduce recidivism. The findings clarify that no one evidence-based supervision feature (i.e., a validated risk and need assessment tool, case planning, treatment, compliance management, etc.) can achieve recidivism reductions. The best results can be achieved by using all features, although a risk-based case management approach that prioritizes employment and/or reducing the criminogenic needs creates similar outcomes. This article discusses the implications of prioritizing which supervision processes are used to impact positive supervision outcomes.

The Partially Clothed Emperor: Evidence-Based Practices

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faye S. Taxman
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Change Strategies ◽  
Evidence Based Practices ◽  
Core Set ◽  
Criminogenic Needs ◽  
Operational Issues

The evidence-based practices literature has defined a core set of practices and treatments that are effective, at least in empirical studies. Implementing these evidence-based practices and treatments requires a different set of empirical studies to understand the operational issues that affects client-driven outcomes. In this article, we review the following three areas: (a) use of a standardized risk and need assessment tool, (b) use of cognitive-behavioral programs to address criminogenic needs, and (c) use of swift and certain responses to shape behavior. The review focuses on the unanswered questions regarding implementation and organizational change strategies to increase receptivity for the evidence-based practices, lay the foundation for improving effectiveness of “evidence-based practices and treatments,” and provide a work environment that supports evidence-based practices and treatments. This article outlines a research agenda to build implementation knowledge that can further the use of evidence-based practices and treatments.

Organizational Factors and Probation Officer Use of Evidence-Based Practices: A Multilevel Examination

2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 1648-1667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Viglione ◽  
Brandy L. Blasko ◽  
Faye S. Taxman
Keyword(s):  
Case Management ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Probation Officer ◽  
Probation Officers ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Evidence Based Practices ◽  
Referral Practices ◽  
Supervision Practices ◽  
Staff Commitment

Growing evidence pointing to the ineffectiveness of control-oriented supervision practices has led to an emphasis on evidence-based practices (EBPs), or practices that are empirically tied to recidivism reduction. Research on EBPs in probation highlights the importance of case management-oriented supervision and provision of proactive, appropriate program referrals. Despite research support, challenges exist regarding implementing EBPs in real-world practice. Utilizing survey data from 813 adult probation officers across 43 agencies, the current study examined variation in use of case management and proactive referral practices. Findings highlight the important role organizational commitment plays in supporting implementation efforts. Implications suggest a need for probation agencies to promote and sustain staff commitment to their agency before embarking on significant reform efforts.

An Experimental Demonstration of Training Probation Officers in Evidence-Based Community Supervision

2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (11) ◽  
pp. 1127-1148 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Bonta ◽  
Guy Bourgon ◽  
Tanya Rugge ◽  
Terri-Lynne Scott ◽  
Annie K. Yessine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Probation Officers ◽  
Community Supervision ◽  
Offender Rehabilitation ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Experimental Demonstration ◽  
Recidivism Rates ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Behavioral Techniques ◽  
Rnr Model ◽  
Risk Need Responsivity

The present study evaluated a training program for probation officers based on the risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model of offender rehabilitation. A total of 80 officers were randomly assigned to either training or a no training condition. The probation officers then recruited 143 probationers and audiotaped their sessions at the beginning of supervision, 3 months later, and 6 months later. The audiotapes were coded with respect to the officers’ adherence to the RNR model. The experimental probation officers demonstrated significantly better adherence to the RNR principles, with more frequent use of cognitive-behavioral techniques to address the procriminal attitudes of their clients. Finally, the analysis of recidivism rates favored the clients of the trained officers. The findings suggest that training in the evidence-based principles of the RNR model can have an important impact on the behavior of probation officers and their clients.

From evidence-informed to evidence-based: the Strategic Training Initiative in Community Supervision

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Bonta ◽  
Guy Bourgon ◽  
Tanya Rugge
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Probation Officers ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Community Supervision ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Training Initiative ◽  
Rnr Model ◽  
Development Evaluation ◽  
Strategic Training ◽  
Offender Assessment

The Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Model of offender assessment and rehabilitation is one of the mostly widely used paradigms for the design and delivery of offender treatment programs. However, there has been relatively little research on providing RNR-informed services by front-line correctional staff. The Strategic Training Initiative in Community Corrections (STICS) is the first RNR-based intervention that trains probation officers to use the RNR principles in the everyday supervision of offenders. This chapter describes the development, evaluation, and application of STICS in community supervision. Special attention is given to issues faced during large-scale implementation of the STICS model and the generalizability of the model. The chapter ends with a description of the influence of STICS on international developments in providing evidence-based community supervision.

Juvenile Probation Supervision Contacts in a Reforming State: Rise of the Street-Level Expert?

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 332-353
Author(s):  
Joel Miller ◽  
Courtney S. Harding
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Probation Officers ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Survey Analysis ◽  
Juvenile Probation ◽  
Juvenile Probation Officers ◽  
Criminogenic Needs ◽  
Practitioner Survey ◽  
Probation Supervision

We examined juvenile probation officers’ use of evidence-based principles in routine supervision contacts in five counties of a reforming state, focusing on relationship quality, attention to criminogenic needs, and the use of structuring activities. We did this using ethnographic observations of 112 routine supervision contacts, supplemented by qualitative interviews and a practitioner survey. Analysis showed officers typically applied some evidence-based principles in supervision meetings, though encounters varied in their focus on rehabilitation, and whether rehabilitative work used specialized techniques. Variations were shaped by client circumstances and meeting contexts. They also reflected officers’ affinity for specialized approaches, with evidence suggesting the existence of a group of “experts” within the officer population committed to using specialized techniques. The presence of experts was related, in part, to offices’ leadership, organizational practices, and history with evidence-based reforms. Findings offer cautious optimism about the prospects for mainstreaming these evidence-based principles within community corrections agencies.

The use of the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in a practice-based health discipline: Academic and student experience in paramedicine

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Bell ◽  
Jennifer Kelly ◽  
Peter Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Examination ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Clinical Performance ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Specific Area ◽  
Training Model ◽  
Objective Structured Clinical Examination ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Effective Measure

Abstract:Purpose:Over the past two decades, the discipline of Paramedicine has seen expediential growth as it moved from a work-based training model to that of an autonomous profession grounded in academia.  With limited evidence-based literature examining assessment in paramedicine, this paper aims to describe student and academic views on the preference for OSCE as an assessment modality, the sufficiency of pre-OSCE instruction, and whether or not OSCE performance is a perceived indicator of clinical performance.Design/Methods:A voluntary, anonymous survey was conducted to examine the perception of the reliability and validity of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) as an assessment tool by students sitting the examination and the academics that facilitate the assessment. Findings:The results of this study revealed that the more confident the students are in the reliability and validity of the assessment, the more likely they are to perceive the assessment as an effective measure of their clinical performance.  The perception of reliability and validity differs when acted upon by additional variables, with the level of anxiety associated with the assessment and the adequacy of feedback of performance cited as major influencers. Research Implications:The findings from this study indicate the need for further paramedicine discipline specific research into assessment methodologies to determine best practice models for high quality assessment.Practical Implications:The development of evidence based best practice guidelines for the assessment of student paramedics should be of the upmost importance to a young, developing profession such as paramedicine.Originality/Value: There is very little research in the discipline specific area of assessment for paramedicine and discipline specific education research is essential for professional growth.Limitations:The principal researcher was a faculty member of one of the institutions surveyed.  However, all data was non identifiable at time of data collection.  Key WordsParamedic; paramedicine; objective structured clinical examinations; OSCE; education; assessment.

Reliability and Validity Analyses of the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 329-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred Schmidt ◽  
Robert D. Hoge ◽  
Lezlie Gomes
Keyword(s):  
Juvenile Offenders ◽  
Case Management ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Level Of Service ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Criminogenic Needs ◽  
Health Assessments ◽  
Males And Females

The Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) is a structured assessment tool designed to facilitate the effective intervention and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders by assessing each youth’s risk level and criminogenic needs. The present study examined the YLS/CMI’s reliability and validity in a sample of 107 juvenile offenders who were court-referred for mental health assessments. Results demonstrated the YLS/CMI’s internal consistency and interrater reliability. Moreover, the instrument’s predictive validity was substantiated on a number of recidivism measures for both males and females. Limitations of the current findings are discussed.

Psychometric Testing of the Health Care Evidence-Based Practice Assessment Tool

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 485-498
Author(s):  
Martha R. Sleutel ◽  
Celestina Barbosa-Leiker ◽  
Marian Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Content Validity ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Psychometric Testing ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Health Care Outcomes ◽  
Optimal Health

Background and Purpose: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential to optimal health care outcomes. Interventions to improve use of evidence depend on accurate assessments from reliable, valid, and user-friendly tools. This study reports psychometric analyses from a modified version of a widely used EBP questionnaire, the information literacy for nursing practice (ILNP). Methods: After content validity assessments by nurse researchers, a convenience sam ple of 2,439 nurses completed the revised 23-item questionnaire. We examined internal consistency and used factor analyses to assess the factor structure. Results: A modified 4-factor model demonstrated adequate fit to the data. Cronbach’s alpha was .80–.92 for the subscales. Conclusions: The shortened ILNP (renamed Healthcare EBP Assessment Tool or HEAT) demonstrated adequate content validity, construct validity, and reliability.

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