Changing Criminal Behavior Through Evidence Based Practices

Transcription

1 1 Changing Criminal Behavior Through Evidence Based Practices Presented to the Texas Behavioral Health Institute July 25, 2013 Performance Objectives To introduce basic terminology of the what works and Evidence-based research approaches To promote understanding of what it takes to reduce recidivism To discuss ways to apply evidence-based approaches with offenders 2 Clarification of Terms At the root of things. Best Practices What Works Evidence-based Practice Additionally Treatment = Intervention Criminogenic needs = changeable risk factors that drive an offender to crime Evidence = results from controlled studies 3

2 Definition of Risk The likelihood of re-offending Not just dangerous offenses that would be stakes But any offense across the board 4 Risk Management vs. Risk Reduction Risk management: determining the risk level of the offender, and providing appropriate sanctions and supervision (ISP, ELM) Risk reduction: determining the risk level and the criminogenic needs of each offender with the aim of reducing risk through effective interventions and appropriate sanctions 5 Implementing Evidence-based Practice: The Integrated Model Evidence-based Principles Reducing Recidivism Organizational Collaboration Development 6

3 7 What Have We Learned??? in the past 20 years Learnings: Studies and Experience Meta-Analysis: hundreds of studies One study can be misleading (misapplication of research) Need to examine a body of research Evidence distinguishes between experimental and control groups We know a lot about what works in reducing recidivism Just as important what doesn t work We have learned WHY initiatives have failed and succeeded 8 What the Research Says... What has emerged from the research is not a single program that clearly stands out as the most effective for reducing recidivism, but rather a set of principles that characterize the most effective correctional interventions. Thomas F. White, A Framework for Implementing Evidence-Based Practice in Probation and Parole, February

4 10 Eight (8) Evidence-based Principles for Effective Interventions Assess Actuarial Risk/Needs Enhance Intrinsic Motivation Target Interventions Risk Principle (who?) Need Principle (what?) Responsivity Principle (how?) Dosage (how?) Treatment Principle (how?) Risk Principle Do not target low risk offenders Do target medium to high risk offenders Do not target extremely high risk offenders 11 Need Principle Changing non-criminogenic needs has little influence on criminal behavior Criminogenic needs are identified through objective assessment Criminogenic needs should drive program objectives and interventions 12

5 Need Principle Criminogenic Anti-social attitudes Anti-social peers/activities Anti-social personality factors Family and/or marital factors Substance abuse Education and/or vocational achievement Non-criminogenic Anxiety Low self-esteem Creative abilities Medical needs Physical conditioning 13 Treatment Principle: how do you apply and what works? Interventions should: Focus on current factors that influence behavior Be action oriented Reinforce appropriate offender behavior 14 Client Treatment Factors General population Anxiety Self-esteem Depression Mental illness Gender Medical issues specifically associated with: Age Race or ethnicity 15

6 Offender Treatment Factors Factors more common with offenders: Poor social skills Inadequate problem solving skills Concrete oriented thinking Poor verbal skills 16 What Works? Responsivity and specific programming Motivational Interviewing Cognitive-behavioral Social learning theory Sanctions and rewards Modeling and demonstration Chronic-care model Skills practice 17 Eight (8) Evidence-based Principles for Effective Interventions Skill Train with Directed Practice Increase Positive Reinforcement Engage Ongoing Support in Communities Measure Relevant Practices Provide Measurement Feedback 18

7 What Doesn t Work? Punishment, Sanctions or Incarceration Direct Deterrence or Fear-based Programs (e.g.: Scared Straight) Physical Challenge Programs Military Models of Discipline and Physical Fitness (e.g.: Boot Camps) Intensive Supervision without Treatment 19 Non-behavioral Approaches Shaming programs Drug education programs Drug prevention classes focused on fear or emotional appeal Non skill-based education programs Non-action oriented group counseling Bibliotherapy Freudian approaches Talking cures Vague, unstructured rehabilitation programs Self-esteem programs 20 Characteristics of Effective Programs Are based on research & sound theory Demonstrated effectiveness with offenders Have leadership and use qualified staff Are implemented as designed Assess offenders with risk/needs instruments Disrupt criminal networks Target crime producing behaviors 21

8 22 Characteristics of Effective Programs Assess progress of offenders in meeting target behaviors Provide aftercare Quality assurance processes Evaluate, evaluate, evaluate Track offender recidivism Maintain stable programs, funding & community support Important Considerations Offender assessment is the engine that drives effective programs-this helps you know who to target Design programs around empirical research-this helps you know how to target offenders Program integrity makes a difference-this includes service delivery, disruption of criminal networks, training/supervision of staff, support for the program and evaluation 23 Why Do We Need to Know About EBP? It improves outcomes, especially recidivism It reduces victimization It improves collaboration It increases appetite for data driven decision making It targets funding toward the interventions that bring the greatest returns 24

9 25 Relating to Public Safety EBP makes a long-term contribution to public safety. When offender risk is reduced, it means there are less victims of crime and the whole community feels safer. Research should be applied to practice with the goals of preventing further victimization and creating safer communities. Crime & Justice Institute, Evidence-Based Practices: A Framework for Sentencing Policy, November 2006 Programs based on Evidence Provide: Safety and Security Management of Problem Behavior Change of Behavior through Risk and Need Reduction Competency in Staff and Offenders An Impact in the Overall Offender and Organization Culture 26 Re-thinking Business From Process to Outcomes From Activities to Results From Being Busy to Creating Value 27

10 28 Treatment that works is not a Program or an Event, it is also a Stage-Based Process Screening & Referral Courts, Judges, Prosecutors Severity Assessment Probation, Intervention Criminal Justice System Treatment Services Correctional Programs Offender Re-entry Parole, Case Management