Implementation Science to Address the Fidelity-Related Achilles Heel of EBPs in Corrections

• In Event: Rutgers at 50: Evidence-based Practices and Post-Conviction Policies

Abstract

Evidence-based practices and treatments are well-articulated for the field of institutional and community corrections, and to a large extent, the field has embraced these practices and treatments. Implementing the practices and treatment requires attention to the culture of the organizations including the culture of control versus a human services orientation. This talk with address how the culture of control impacts utilization of evidence-based practices and treatments and the challenges it presents to justice and treatment actors to meet the demands to be “tough” while also helping people establish their own agency and social capital. Attention will be given to: 1) the norms of institutional and community corrections versus the demands associated with evidence-based practices and treatments; 2) the fidelity challenges; and 3) the opportunity to redefine institutional and community corrections to fulfill desistance-related goals and objectives. Examples will be given of efforts that different agencies are undertaking to address fidelity. A focus on implementation science in criminology and criminal justice research can alleviate the fidelity-related issues.

Author

• Faye Taxman, George Mason University