The Use of Research Evidence by Judges and Attorneys in the Juvenile Justice System

• In Event: Evaluating the Promise of Evidence-Based Practice in Juvenile Justice Settings: Short and Long Term Feasibility

Abstract

Although the juvenile justice system has shifted towards incorporating more evidence-based practices, it frequently operates in discordance with available research: most juvenile justice decisions are not research-informed (Steinberg, 2009) and few publicly funded juvenile justice systems use evidence-based programs (Hoagwood & Olin, 2002). Growing research indicates that engagement of key stakeholders is a key predictor of the use of research evidence (Tseng, 2012) and the success of evidence-based practices relies on the efforts and willingness of practitioners and policymakers to implement them (Mears et al., 2010). Nevertheless, to date, only nominal efforts to engage key decision makers in the juvenile justice system have been made. To address this, we are conducting interviews with 30 judges, 15 prosecutors, and 15 defense attorneys across urban, suburban, and rural jurisdictions nationwide. In this presentation, we will provide an overview of the project and present results regarding how judges and attorneys define, acquire, interpret and use research. A large focus of this presentation will be on the conditions that promote or inhibit the use of research. These findings can inform strategies to translate and disseminate research and will contribute to broader efforts to engage practitioners in the use of evidence-based practices.

Authors

• Kelly Murphy, Child Trends

• Shelby Hickman, Child Trends

• Elizabeth Jordan, Child Trends