Driving Change in Criminal Justice: Applications of Implementation Science in Correctional Settings

• In Event: Applying and Implementing a Science Framework in Assessing the Effects of Child-Serving and Corrections Settings

Abstract

Evidence-based practices often do not have the same effects in the field as seen in research contexts. This is often related to differing implementation practices or context. The state of implementation research in corrections is relatively nascent, but a review of this literature could provide important guidance for the field moving forward and help to focus future areas of research. The current project is a scoping review exploring peer-reviewed implementation research on evidence-based or informed practices in adult correctional settings (post-conviction and carceral). Analysis of the included papers (n = 123) identified four major themes that may help guide future directions in implementation research. First, connections between research done with correctional populations and the greater field of implementation science research are inconsistent. Second, there are concerted efforts to bridge the academic/practice divide in correctional environments. Third, determinants research is predominantly focused on issues related to workplace culture, staff perceptions/attitudes, and conflicting staff directives. Fourth, there are few studies focusing on the needs of minority populations, such as intersectional or gender-responsive approaches.

Author

• Megan Foster, University of Utah