EBP Simplified

Target Interventions 

It is sad that this principle even needs to be articulated, but it does.  The first principle of effective intervention was about appropriate assessment.  It would seem obvious that the results of said assessment would naturally translate to the specific interventions that are ultimately chosen.  However, human nature being what it is…

Interventions Law #1: The goal is to decrease public safety risk, not to increase self-esteem or resolve childhood conflicts. Focus on decreasing the behaviors that lead to crime (i.e., criminogenic needs).

Interventions Law #2: Initial goals should be so easy that it is practically impossible to fail.  Success breeds success, which increases intrinsic motivation.

Interventions Law #3: Offenders are expert at “doing time.” Make successful completion of levels and the program contingent on specific effort or change, not any measurement of time.

Targeted Interventions Bottom Line: “Targeted” refers to behaviors that need to change, but it also refers to the goal of public safety. Interventions need to target specific behaviors that have the greatest likelihood of increasing public safety, short-term and long-term.