CorrectTech Community Corrections Blog

An Introduction to Evidence Based Principles (EBP)

Posted by Evan C. Crist, Psy.D. on 12/4/14 12:37 PM

This is the 1st of a 12 part series on Evidence Based PrinciplesSubscribe to our blog and get the blog delivered right to your inbox. 

 

With all of the emphasis on Evidence Based Principles (EBP), it seems worthwhile to define the various elements involved. What exactly is EBP?

Defining EBP

Evidence: that which tends to prove or disprove something; ground for belief, proof.   

In other words, it is no longer acceptable to just “wing it” and base offender interventions on “my personal experience” or “what seems to make the most sense.” Fortunately, there is a growing group of EBP experts who publish findings and explanations on a regular basis. The amount of proof is growing!

Based: a fundamental principle or groundwork; foundation; basis.

When proven interventions (i.e., evidence) are part of the foundation of a treatment program, it's impossible to identify where treatment begins and where it ends. Treatment is not an event or even a series of events. Treatment is fundamental. Every activity, every decision and every moment are part of the treatment process.

Principle: a basis of conduct or management.

Large segments of community corrections have long endorsed the ideas of EBP. It all makes sense, and as it gains political momentum, it is making more and more sense. Learning the language of EBP is important, unfortunately, that is where many agencies stop. They have maintained their current practices but now use EBP language to refer to various components. t does not work that way! Ultimately, EBP is not just about believing, using lingo, or preaching. The idea is one of a guiding principle of conduct, not belief.

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Topics: Community Corrections, Evidence Based Practices, Practices

The 5Ps of Community Corrections: Practices

Posted by Evan C. Crist, Psy.D. on 10/28/14 7:00 AM

World Class Execution

As I write this blog, I am watching the Denver Broncos vs. the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football. It could be a record setting game for Peyton Manning. If he throws at least three touchdown passes, he will set a new NFL record for most touchdowns passes in a career. Brett Favre currently holds the record with 508 TD passes.

Watching a team execute a game plan is fascinating. While the players have to practice (i.e., perform) what they are instructed, hundreds of hours of preparation go into the game plan. It is not unusual for an NFL coach to sleep in the office during the football season. They work extraordinary hours reviewing film, creating plays, and developing an overall strategy. With unmatched intensity, passion, and attention to details, coaches control everything except the actual execution of the game plan.

One Thing Leads to Another

Let’s review a bit. Your Purpose leads to the Principles of emphasis. The Principles give birth to the Policies. Procedures are not developed or created as much as revealed. 

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Topics: Community Corrections, Evidence Based Practices, Practices

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