A new internet tool is now available to teach “Evidence Based Practices” (EBP) to the criminal justice field. Although specifically targeting lecturers and trainers, this free, interactive “Model Curriculum for Judges”, can be an effective interactive educational tool for anyone. “Evidence-Based Sentencing To Improve Public Safety & Reduce Recidivism”, was developed by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), in partnership with the National Judicial College (NJC), and the Crime and Justice Institute (CJI).
Evidence Based Practices (EBP), originated in the medical field and only recently has been applied in the corrections field. Evidence-Based Sentencing (EBS), as defined by the National Center for State Courts, are “those practices used in the field of community corrections that are proven by the best research evidence to reduce offender recidivism”. In my opinion, a working knowledge of this science based sentencing approach is critical for every reentry court judge and related personnel. I’ve become acquainted with the curriculum ( 6 hours of video , powerpoint, curriculum manual, handouts and other materials). The NCSC interactive internet course is the best introductory educational tool available on EBP and should be used by the reentry court field.
The following segments of the supplementary materials (handouts) are particularly useful:
13 Questions Judges Should Ask Their Probation Chiefs , NCSC, Mark Carey
Elements of an EB Violation Policy , NCSC
Evidence Based Practices Principles, NCSC
Twenty Evidence-Based Sentencing Practices To Reduce Recidivism By Judge Roger Warren (ret.), NCSC
Mapping Enhanced Counseling, 2008, Texas Institute of Behavioral Research
