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Promoting Evidence-Based Practice in Delinquency Prevention at the State Level: Principles, Progress, and Policy Directions

NCJ Number
239573
Journal
Criminology and Public Policy Volume: 11 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2012 Pages: 493-513
Author(s)
Peter W. Greenwood; Brandon C. Welsh
Date Published
August 2012
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study examined the progress made by State governments in instituting evidence-based practices in delinquency prevention programs.
Abstract
Findings from the study show that seven States who have been early adopters of evidence-based practices in their delinquency prevention efforts have been making modest yet continually increasing investments in the use of these practices. Several of the programs identified as having been proven to be effective include the Midwestern Prevention Project, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Life Skills Training, Functional Family Therapy, Multisystemic Therapy, and Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care. The seven States included in the study were California, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Efforts undertaken by the States to implement these practices include special funding for designated evidence-based programs, risk assessment guidance and support, program assessment and evaluation, assistance in needs assessment and program selection, initial piloting of new evidence-based programs, and technical assistance for evidence-based practice. Implications for policy and practice are discussed. Figures and references