EBP Implementation

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What is PPCJI? The Pennsylvania Partnership for Criminal Justice Improvement (PPCJI) is a collaborative effort to improve community well-being by employing research-informed practices at each decision point throughout the criminal justice system. It commenced with the formation of the EBP Leadership Team consisting of many key stakeholders in PA’s criminal justice system including representatives from: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP), Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), Department of Corrections (DOC), Pennsylvania Parole Board (PPB), Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, Office of Victim Advocate (OVA), as well as several county chief probation officers. Background informationIn late 2017, the Chiefs Association was successful in receiving initial grant funds to begin the rollout of EBP training and technical assistance to interested counties. Most recently, the Chiefs Association contracted with a consultant to assist with EBP/PPCJI expansion, training, and support. PPCJI has accomplished several activities including:
  • Development of the Pennsylvania Adult Probation and Parole Evidence-Based Practices Strategic Plan.
  • Selection of two validated, actuarial risk/need tools (ORAS and LS/CMI), supported across the state.
  • Publication of a blueprint for EBP Implementation.
  • Development of a clear definition of recidivism and a plan to promote its consistent use.
  • Roll out of an EBP training plan including certified motivational interviewing processes.
Video and Brief about Racial Bias in Assessment Tools The issue of racial bias in assessment tools used to determine a person’s risk to reoffend has long been a topic of concern. The Standards Subcommittee for the County Adult Probation and Parole Association Chief, chaired by Judge Charles Ehrlich, recently held a forum with two national experts to explore this issue. An edited version of the forum is now available for viewing. The 50-minute video features Judge Roger Warren, President Emeritus of the National Center for State Courts and Judge Carl Ashley, Circuit Court Judge of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court talking with members of the subcommittee about this important and complex issue.
In addition, Judge Roger Warren authored a brief about this topic for the Pennsylvania Partnership on Criminal Justice Improvement. (Click here to access document)
Evidence-Based Practices Strategic PlanGoal Team #2
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Approved 12/7/2018 (click above to access resolution)
Evidence-Based Practices Strategic Plan 2016-2018 Goal Team #1
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(click above to access addendum)
What is EBP?
  • Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the application of science into operational practice for services and programs for offenders. The goal is to use practices that have been empirically tested and have been shown to reduce recidivism among offenders.

  • Based on numerous studies and meta analyses of offender rehabilitation programs, researchers have outlined a set of principles to guide the implementation of EBP.

  • The evidence-based principles for effective services and interventions with offenders are:

  • Conduct an assessment of offender risk and needs using an actuarial instrument and determine the drivers of criminal behavior;
  • Enhance intrinsic motivation through use of constructive communication techniques, such as motivational interviewing and goal setting;
  • Apply risk, need, and responsivity principles (i.e., target high-risk offenders, focus on changing criminogenic factors, provide services that match needs.) provide the appropriate dosage of services; and, deliver treatment and other services as part of the sentencing and sanctioning process;
  • Employ programs and practices grounded in scientific evidence (i.e., cognitive behavioral therapy) and delivered by trained staff
  • Utilize community support networks to reinforce pro-social behaviors and help offenders establish prosocial contacts in the community
  • Routinely monitor and assess offender and staff performance
Pennsylvania Adult Probation and Parole Evidence-based Practices

Strategic Plan 2016-2018
The County Chief Adult Probation and Parole Officers Association of Pennsylvania is pleased to release its strategic plan for advancing Pennsylvania’s adult probation and parole system. The goal of the strategic plan is to enhance public safety, reduce recidivism, and provide for a more effective use of public fund through the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBP) in the county adult probation and parole system. Our proposed strategic plan is the result of a dynamic partnership between the County Chief Adult Probation and Parole Officers Association of Pennsylvania and many key stakeholders in Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system.
With over 86% of the total community-based offender population under the supervision of county adult probation and parole departments, and the costs of managing offenders on the rise – with well over 50% of the funding of county offender supervision borne by the county – the restructuring and enhancement of county probation and parole is at a critical juncture. The implementation of effective, research-based supervision practices provides a roadmap to improve supervision strategies, which will lead to improved public safety.
During the strategic plan development stages, we were able to identify many challenges that could potentially pose roadblocks to the forward movement of this initiative. We prefer, however, to look at these challenges as stepping stones that will lead us to a more enhance system.
The strategic plan is the beginning of a multi-year effort to achieve better outcomes in community-based offender recidivism rates. We believe the strength of our strategic plan lies in the support and collaboration of county adult probation and parole partners and key state stakeholders.
County Chief Adult Probation & Parole Officers Association of PennsylvaniaContact : Helene Placey P.O. Box 1505 Camp Hill, PA 170011-814-590-6323heleneplacey@gmail.com