U.S. Department of Justice

Evidence-Based Practices

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) historically comes from the medical field as a method to utilize clinical research findings to improve medical decision making and lower risk.

In corrections, Evidence-Based Practice is the breadth of research and knowledge around processes and tools which can improve correctional outcomes, such as reduced recidivism. Tools and best practices are provided with a focus on both decision making and implementation.

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NIC Division Chief, George Keiser, explains evidence-based corrections.

Direct Link: http://community.nicic.gov/files/folders/9085/download.aspx

Recommended Reading

Date Title Type
2010 NIC Publication
This report is essential reading for individuals wanting to achieve "measurable reductions of pretrial misconduct and post-conviction reoffending" (p.6). Eight sections follow an introduction (a new paradigm for the justice system): underlying premis... Read More
PDF
2011
An overview is presented of findings (as of July 2011) regarding “a comprehensive list of programs and policies that improve … outcomes for children and adults in Washington and result in more cost-efficient use of public resources” (p. 1). Sections ... Read More
WEB
2010
If you are concerned about recidivism, this article is for you. The author explains how six integrated practices will lower your recidivism rates. These are: risk/needs assessment; individual motivators; target the appropriate intervention; rewire th... Read More
WEB
2009
Guidance for the implementation of evidence-based practices in juvenile drug courts is provided. Recommendations are given for screening and assessment, treatment, and outcome monitoring.... Read More
PDF
2009
Results from an evaluation of the APYA (Avon Park Youth Academy) Secure Care Program, involving vocational and educational interventions, combined with the SS (STREET Smart) aftercare reentry program are presented. Sections following an executive sum... Read More
PDF
2008
“Each chapter of this monograph provides research that can guide drug courts in their efforts to increase retention and graduation rates of participants that agree to go through the drug court process” (p.1). The following chapters comprise this publ... Read More
PDF
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Related Resources

Date Title Type
1996 NIC Publication
Evaluability assessment helps to determine whether a program has been planned and implemented well enough to be evaluated. This monograph focuses on how to plan and develop the type of program that is likely to produce a successful comprehensive eval... Read More
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1996 NIC Publication
A system assessment is a collaborative effort between a jurisdiction, the National Institute of Corrections, and consultants to develop a shared understanding of how an existing sanctioning system works. This guide defines what a system assessment an... Read More
PDF
1984 NIC Publication
... Read More
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1994 NIC Publication
This study of classification systems has two purposes. The first is to test new methods for evaluating objective prison classification systems by using qualitative research methods. The second is to examine why inmates often do not behave as expected... Read More
PDF
1998 NIC Publication
After presenting an overview of the private imprisonment industry, this assessment addresses four major issues in privatization: Does contracting for prison operations save money? Do privately operated facilities provide better services? Legal issues... Read More
PDF
2001 NIC Publication
Highlights of this Office's accomplishments and the status of correctional job training and placement in the U.S. are provided. Contents of this report include: foreword; introduction; background; activities and accomplishments -- office coordinatio... Read More
PDF
2002
The effectiveness of "Thinking for a Change" -- a cognitive behavioral program for adult probationers -- is investigated. Following an abstract, this dissertation contains these chapters: introduction; literature review; study purpose and major aims... Read More
PDF
1990 NIC Publication
A conclusion of this study, which was primarily based upon the chi-square test, is that the Wisconsin Probation Classification System did a fair job in differentiating high risk probationers from medium or low risk, but the system failed to provide a... Read More
PDF
1989 NIC Publication
Current policies, procedures and practices of the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department's Warrant/Absconder Unit are examined. Recommendations are offered in four areas: (1) Structure and Purpose of the Warrants Unit; (2) Gun Use by Warran... Read More
PDF
1990 NIC Publication
Title of project is "Probation Workload Analysis: Revised Time Study." Results of a study on Colorado probation officer workload are described, with recommendations provided by the author. The author discusses changes in the Colorado Judicial Depart... Read More
PDF
1992 NIC Publication
With the goal of providing support and technical assistance to local jurisdictions, a national project on intermediate sanctions focused on key elements of an intergrated system of intermediate sanctions. This report reviews developments that arose d... Read More
PDF
1992 NIC Publication
Developed to provide correctional professional with a tool for more effectively and efficiently managing their departments, this document presents a critical review of issues relevant to the evaluation of correctional classification systems. Topics c... Read More
PDF
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Available Training Opportunities

  • Available Online - Program Planning and Design
    This e-course focuses on translating the principles of evidence-based practice into an effective program design.
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