NCJ Number
238829
Journal
Elements of Change Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: May 2012 Pages: 1-12
Date Published
May 2012
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This newsletter by the Colorado Department of Public Safety examines EPIC (Evidence-Based Practices Implementation for Capacity), the State's training initiative aimed at improving the capacity of State agencies to implement evidence-based practices in corrections.
Abstract
EPIC (Evidence-Based Practices Implementation for Capacity) is a training initiative developed in Colorado aimed at improving the capacity of State agencies to implement evidence-based practices in corrections. The following State agencies are involved in the initiative and all work with the offender population: the Department of Public Safety/Office of Community Corrections; the Department of Human Services/Division of Behavioral Health; the Department of Corrections/Parole; the Department of Corrections/Institutions; and the Judicial Branch/Division of Probation Services. The report describes the mechanisms used by EPIC to implement practices that will reduce recidivism among offenders. These mechanisms include communities of practice, an implementation team, organizational change, and facilitative leadership. The report also highlights certain practices that have shown to reduce recidivism: mental health first aid, motivational interviewing, and identifying and addressing criminogenic needs. Preliminary assessment of the program indicates that trainees have already begun to implement techniques learned in their motivational interviewing training. Research has shown that these techniques can improve the interaction between corrections personnel and offenders, thus changing offenders' behavior and reducing recidivism. Figures and references