Evaluating Frontline Criminal Justice Practice: Findings From Evaluations in Wales, United Kingdom

• In Event: Adminstration of Corrections and Correctional Programming

Abstract

More than a decade after the evidence-based, effective practice model of offender supervision emerged in England and Wales, the precise processes through which frontline practitioners implement the model during supervision has received insufficient empirical attention. This creates a gap in knowledge and poses several implications. For instance, with limited empirical insights, it is difficult to establish whether practitioners apply the model effectively. There is evidence that effective implementation is linked to successful outcomes, particularly reductions in recidivism rates (Raynor, Ugwudike and Vanstone 2014). This paper will present the findings from evaluations of frontline youth justice and probation practice in Wales. The findings reveal areas of good practice, and some limitations of practice. For example, although there is evidence of effective risk/need assessments, in many cases, the assessments do not inform practice. The quality of staff skills also requires improvement. The paper will conclude with a description of additional factors that create a gulf between the evidence-based effective practice model, and frontline practice. It will explore the implications of the findings for policy and practice.

Author

• Pamela Ugwudike, Swansea University, UK