Implementing EBPs with Fidelity in a Probation Setting

SPO Rob EdmistenEvidence Based Practices CoordinatorSacramento County ProbationEdmistenr@saccounty.net

October 24, 2013

The State of EBP in Community Corrections

• Many programs and practices

• Unclear definitions

• Varied use of resources

• $$$

Evidence Based Practices

• Assessment

• Programming/ Interventions

• Evidence Based Strategies

Implementation

• Most Common Definition

• True Implementation

• One Size Does Not Fit All

• Implementation Science

• Must Have Effective Implementation before Sustainability can be Achieved

Sustainability

• Short term • Participants• budget • Staffing (willingness)

• Long term• Department Support• Staffing – retraining• Feedback loop

Challenges

• Focus• Culture• Collaboration• Fidelity• Continuous Quality Improvement/ Quality Assurance• Research/Outcomes

Internal/External System Focus

• Internal structure• Divisions• Interplay • Silos

• External• Justice partners• Community

Culture

• Staff

• Provider

• Management

• Other Social Service Agencies

• County/State

Collaboration

• Playing together in the sandbox

• Role recognition

• Strength Based Pro-social collaboration

• Easier said than done

Fidelity

• Assessment Accuracy

• Inter-reliability

• Assessment Validation

• Model Adherence

• Are we doing what we are supposed to be doing?

Continuous Quality Improvement - CQI

• Examination and Evaluation

• Continuous Improvement

• “How can I help you?”

Research/Outcomes

• The importance of true data

• “The research says…”

• Feedback loop• To staff, management,

justice partners, funders• Successes and challenges

SustainingSustainability

• Systemic Planning – Dedication to principles

• Recognize training is not enough

• Leadership vs. Management

• Learning environment

• This takes time….and that is OK!

Final Thoughts

• Well built system to impact public safety

• Everything works together for the good of offenders, the agency, and community

• Sometimes the rides break down….. But they can be fixed