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

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

The papers in this panel focus on the dissemination of research findings and evidence-based practices in the juvenile justice realm. After decades of research on effective program approaches, uptake of research and evidence-based practice remains low (Hoagwood & Olin, 2002). New investigations into EBP dissemination and implementation are identifying promising strategies for bridging this persistent translational gap. The first paper will discuss the value of web-based training in improving local knowledge of behavioral health treatment principles and strategies, thus speeding up and reducing the costs of knowledge translation. The second paper will report on a national study on use of research patterns among decision makers in juvenile courts including the conditions that promote or inhibit the use of research. The third paper will report on how a youth-perspective of incarceration aligns with evidence-based principles of therapeutic care and the validation of a quality assessment measure. The fourth paper will present the results of a four yearlong investigation into the ways in which juvenile justice practitioners understand and use several EBPs (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care), suggesting that the complexity of integrating EBPs into care can lead to misaligned practice if contextual barriers are not adequately addressed.

Sub Unit

• Area IX. Juvenile Crime and the Justice System / 49. Juvenile Justice Policies and Practices

Division of Special Interest

• Divisions of Special Interest / Division on Corrections & Sentencing

Individual Presentations

• Behavioral Health Training for Juvenile Probation Staff: Innovations in Delivery and Uptake - Katherine S Elkington, Columbia University; Larkin McReynolds, Columbia University; Steve Belenko, Temple University; Faye Taxman, George Mason University; Gail Wasserman, Columbia University

• The Use of Research Evidence by Judges and Attorneys in the Juvenile Justice System - Kelly Murphy, Child Trends; Shelby Hickman, Child Trends; Elizabeth Jordan, Child Trends

• The Association Between Youth Perceptions and Fidelity Ratings of Residential Evidence-Based Practices - Asia Bishop, University of Washington; Sarah Walker, University of Washington; Terry Lee, University of Washington; Henry Schmidt, Behavioral Affiliates, Inc.; Sarah Veele, Washington State Rehabilitation Administration; Debbie Lyne, Washington State Rehabilitation Administration

• Drift, Risk and Misalignment: Evidence-Based and Evidence-Informed Practice Use in Juvenile Justice - Danielle Rudes, George Mason University; Kimberly S Meyer, George Mason University

Chair

• Sarah Walker, University of Washington

Discussant

• Nadine Frederique, National Institute of Justice