This article proposes seven organizational strategies for sustaining efforts to incorporate evidence-based strategies into the practices of probation supervision.
First, build capacity through an organizational plan and structure that supports and sustains the implementation of evidence-based practices and quality supervision. Second, build capacity through a revised mission that focuses on the changes related to the principles of RNR (Risk-Need-Responsivity). Third, build capacity by planning for change in key areas. Fourth, build resiliency through internal support and learn and practice the skills. Fifth, build resiliency through improvements in work processes. Sixth, collaborate with agencies toward a common goal of improving offender outcomes and promoting public safety. Seventh, build resiliency by altering offender involvement in key decisions. These strategies are designed to build a probation agency's placing of evidence-based skill sets within the organizational context. This requires a companion set of organizational activities that can gain internal and external support for this approach to supervision, which is significantly different from the expectations and approaches used in prior years. Probation agencies have traditionally been oriented toward the control and enforcement elements of supervision. This article provides guidance in organizational strategies and approaches that address the systemic and organizational issues that may prevent the promotion and ongoing enhancement of RNR principles in the practice of individual officers. Each of the seven proposed strategies is explained in detail. 5 figures and 42 references