Ongoing training for employees is a core part of EBP. Grant funding will focus on several key training functions and opportunities:
- Develop an EBP Overview eLearning Course to expand reach across the state in a cost-effective manner that allows for continuous training on the core principles of EBP, regardless of turnover and/or attrition.
- Sustainable train-the-trainer (TTT) model that focuses on enhancing agency-based trainers and subject matter experts.
- Motivational interviewing TTT.
A highly regarded and nationally used EBP, motivational interviewing is a person-centered approach that involves interactive, reciprocal conversations and interactions between justice professionals and people with justice involvement. Justice professionals trained in motivational interviewing are better able to identify:
- Changes needed
- Readiness for change
This collaborative technique empowers the individual by providing them both support, motivation and the autonomy needed to follow through with changes intended to improve their outcomes.
- Risk assessment training TTT; specifically, Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS) and Women’s Risk Needs Assessment (WRNA).
Gender responsiveness is important in the justice system because many individuals, women in particular, pose less of a threat in society and in correctional facilities. Additionally, women tend to be less violent than men, more marginalized socially and economically, and often have a higher number of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
These factors frequently contribute to and or enhance substance use and mental health disorders, as well as increase risk for continued victimization as adults. Lastly, women continue to be the primary caregivers/guardians for their children. This detail requires special consideration by justice professionals because when women’s risks are high, their children’s risks are also usually high, and vice versa.
Learn more about WRNA: socialwork.utah.edu/research/ucjc/wrna.
- Various EBP skills training TTT including Core Correctional Practices, Tools, Thinking for a Change, and Moral Reconation Therapy. Skill development is critical for justice professionals because outcomes can and have been improved when EBP skills are implemented to fidelity.
For example, with Moral Reconation Therapy, people with justice involvement who struggle with substance use disorder or trauma directly benefit from this cognitive behavioral treatment because it enhances moral reasoning, decision-making, and appropriate behavior.
When justice professionals have the skills to recognize risks and needs, they are better able to:
- work alongside treatment professionals
- interact with people with justice involvement
- respond to behaviors that conflict with positive outcomes
- refer to resources in a manner that reinforces a collaborative interaction, reduces recidivism and relapse, and increases protective factors
- Customized PA-Specific Case Planning Curriculum that supports the effective implementation of EBP, including the use of risk/needs assessment results. The curriculum focuses on supporting staff with case plan development so they can intentionally deploy strategies and deliver interventions that promote behavioral changes and reduce recidivism risks for people who are justice-involved.
Additional opportunities and pilot programs that the grant will fund include:
- Fidelity assessment tool
- Data dashboard
- EBP trainers workshop to develop skills in adult learning theories
