Putting the "What Works" Research Into Practice: An Organizational Perspective

• NCJ Number: 196229
• Journal: Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 29 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2002 Pages: 472-492
• Author(s): Jennifer L. Ferguson
• Date Published: August 2002
• Length: 21 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The lack of attention to the practical implementation of what works in corrections is problematic for organizations that wish to engage in effective correctional services; this article addresses this issue by describing how one probation department implemented research-based practice as part of the daily routine of the organization.

Abstract

The Maricopa County Adult Probation Department (Arizona) is attempting to take the current findings of correctional research and implement them in the daily practice of the organization. The current strategies being used to achieve this include conducting a combined risk and needs assessment and providing programs that attempt to adhere to the principles of effective correctional intervention. A key component that shapes how the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department (MCAPD) operates is the use of a combined risk and needs assessment tool. This article focuses on how the MCAPD implemented this tool as part of the daily practice of the organization and includes a discussion of how it was developed and implemented, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned. After reviewing the performance of existing offender risk and needs assessment tools, the MCAPD decided to develop its own tool, called the Offender Screening Tool (OST). The content of the OST incorporates the existing research on assessment. It obtains information in 10 categories that are supported by the research as predictors of an offender's criminal behavior. These categories are physical health/medical, vocation/financial, education, family and social relationships, residence and neighborhood, alcohol, drug abuse, mental health, attitude, and criminal behavior. The items on the OST include both static and dynamic criminogenic risk factors. The OST also focuses on those factors that are the strongest predictors of recidivism. The information obtained from the OST is apparently useful and is allowing more staff time to be devoted to the high-risk and high-need cases. Because of the positive results, the MCAPD will continue its efforts to implement research in practice. Five key lessons learned from this effort are summarized. 22 references