Implementing Evidence-Based Practices in Community Corrections: A Review Essay

• Published date: 01 June 2013
• Author: William D. Burrell,Edward E. Rhine
• DOI: 10.3818/JRP.15.1.2013.143
• Date: 01 June 2013
• Subject Matter: Toward Evidence-Based Decision Making in Community Corrections: Research and Strategies for Successful Implementation

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Implementing Evidence-Based Practices in

Community Corrections: A Review Essay

William D. Burrell

Corrections Management Consultant

Edward E. Rhine

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

JUSTICE RESEARCH AND POLICY, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2013

© 2013 Justice Research and Statistics Association

DOI: 10.3818/JRP.15.1.2013.143

* Abstract

The body of research and literature referred to as “evidence-based practice” (EBP)

holds enormous potential for improving the outcomes of probation and parole. The

commitment to EBP must not only ref‌lect the principles that drive effective correctional

intervention, but also incorporate the growing body of knowledge that speaks to the

“science of implementation.” Efforts to date to adopt EBP ref‌lect f‌ive important les-

sons for agencies to consider: the investment of time is a critical issue to successful

implementation; training alone is not suff‌icient; the assessment of risk and need is the

foundation of EBP; measurement is essential; and collaboration is a core strategy for

successful implementation. If the retooling of community corrections towards EBP re-

mains largely unf‌inished business, the obstacles to doing so are not insurmountable as

substantial resources and signif‌icant experiences are available to draw upon.

To w a r d Ev i d E n c E -Ba s E d dEc i s i o n Ma k i n g i n co M M u n i T y co r r E c T i o n s :

rE s E a r c h a n d sT r a T E g i E s f o r su c c E s s f u l iM p l E M E n Ta T i o n

P