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Evidence-Based Practices in the Criminal Justice System: An Annotated Bibliography

“What Is the Evidence?"

Evidence-based policy and practice is focused on reducing offender risk, which in turn reduces new crime and improves public safety. Of the many available approaches to community supervision, a few core principles stand out as proven risk reduction strategies. Though not all of the principles are supported by the same weight of evidence, each has been proven to influence positive behavior change.

To organize the research, these core principles have been compiled... into the 8 Principles of evidence-based practice in corrections. This bibliography is not a complete list of “EBP” citations, but a mere selection based on questions we receive at the Information Center.

They are organized according to: Introduction;

  • In the Beginning;
  • Principles 1 and 3. Assess Risk and Needs and Target Interventions--Risk, Need, Responsivity (RNR), and Dosage;
  • Principle 2. Enhance Motivation to Change;
  • Principle 4. Skill Training with Directed Practice (CBT);
  • Principle 5. Increase Positive Reinforcement (See Incentives and Sanctions/Contingency Management);
  • Principle 6. Engage Ongoing Community Support;
  • Principles 7 & 8. Measure Relevant Processes and Practices and Measurement Feedback;
  • Blueprints Programs; Caseload Size; Evaluated Programs, including Core Correctional Practices (CCP); Incentives and Sanctions/Contingency Management; Juveniles; Pretrial Services; Prisons; Sex Offenders; Specialized Assessment; Specialty Courts; Supervision by Risk Level; Women Offenders; Training Materials/Presentations; Websites; and Agency Reports.