Identifying and understanding criminogenic needs is critical whether a person’s justice involvement is in a correctional or community-based setting. Fortunately, decades of research help inform effective correctional interventions that prevent or reduce relapse and contribute to positive behavior change.

The EBP Brief: Effective Correctional Interventions details the characteristics of effective interventions; lists programs that don’t reduce and may increase recidivism; reviews program evaluation tools; and includes a link to a national central resource focused on practical decision-making and program implementation for justice service professionals.

 Preventing and Responding to Relapse

Relapse is something many people have probably experienced or observed at some point in their lives. An example of when relapse frequently occurs is at the beginning of each new year when people resolve to eat better, exercise more, etc. Many times, despite how committed they may be to improving their behavior in the new year, several will relapse, often within the first week, to previous behaviors.

The reality is that relapse is common and should be anticipated, and plans to prevent it can be developed for both correctional and community-based programs.

When justice professionals properly and swiftly respond to a relapse—be it harmful thinking patterns, impulsivity, difficulty managing anger, associating with others who violate the law, and/or abusing/using substances—it can increase motivation to change behavior.

Prevention strategies, stages of change, and things to consider when responding to a relapse are detailed in the EBP Brief: Preventing and Responding to Relapse.

 Performing a Program and Service Gap Analysis

It isn’t uncommon to be in a situation when the services available to people who are justice-involved do not align with their program and service needs. By performing a program and service gap analysis, justice organizations are in a better position to:

• Reduce gaps
• Make improvements
• Establish priorities
• Set goals and activities to reach goals
• Identify and allocate resources
• Measure progress

The Performing a Program and Service Gap Analysis document details a five-step model that aligns with the needs of correctional and community-based justice agencies. Areas of improvement can include, but are not limited to:

• Intake and assessment process
• Case management policies and practices
• Programs and services
• Staffing
• Training and professional development
• Culture change

Utilize this evidence-based tool to determine where your agency is now, where you want to be, and how you can get there. 

Next month:  The August newsletter will focus on the strategic plan and updates intended to continue to drive positive change for people with justice system involvement. 

Positive change is possible for everyone in Pennsylvania. We look forward to continuing to enhance your EBP knowledge and invite you to submit education/resource requests to askppcji@gmail.com.