Evaluation Findings of Minnesota Statewide Initiative to Reduce Recidivism Grant

• In Event: Addressing Needs of Communities and Individuals: Findings from the WestEd Justice & Prevention Research Center

Abstract

The WestEd Justice & Prevention Research Center (JPRC) has been working with the Minnesota Department of Corrections as the external evaluator for the Minnesota Statewide Initiative to Reduce Recidivism (MNSIRR) Grant. The DOC is engaging in an effort to reduce recidivism across the state by using the best correctional practices throughout all systems and programs, offering opportunities to change programming for men and women in the system, and targeting the people and places where recidivism rates are highest. This presentation will highlight the approach MN DOC has taken to change policy and practice through this grant, findings from the formative evaluation work, and preliminary findings from the outcome evaluation examining services received and recidivism for high risk offenders. Specifically, findings will be presented from a series of pre-post surveys of cohorts of community service providers trained in implementing evidenced based practices (such as Core Correctional Practices). These surveys evaluated the knowledge, experience, and training needs around implementation of evidence-based practices to help inform future training opportunities.

Authors

• Hannah Persson, WestEd

• Sarah Guckenburg, WestEd

• Cecilia Dodge, WestEd

• Anthony Petrosino, WestEd