Evidenced Based Practices In Probation Challenges and Considerations Scott MacDonald Chief Probation Officer Santa Cruz County

Why EBP? Current system is not working Programs and practices are driven by fear and anecdote Lack of effective programs results in unnecessary incarceration Unnecessary incarceration can increase crime We are currently spending a lot of money and time without results EBP holds us accountable to results and better serves youth, family, victims and the public

Probation Malpractice? Banked caseloads for high risk cases Intensive supervision of low risk cases Outward bound programs Scared straight Intensive supervision without treatment. DARE programs

Implementing Evidenced-based Practice in Probation Leadership Vision / Mission Statement Policy and Procedures Policy and Implementation Teams System Stakeholders / Collaboration Planning Communication Resources / Budget Systemic change Recruitment and Hiring Training Performance Management Measurement Information Management Research / Evaluation Assessment and Classification Case Planning Treatment / Programs Intermediate Sanctions

Philosophy and Guiding Principles Programs and Community Interventions Funding Portfolio Merging Organizational Components

EBP is compatible with Juvenile Justice Initiatives and Reform efforts…. System of Care and Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative Family Preservation Least Restrictive Setting Natural Setting Interagency Collaboration Family Involvement Cultural Competence Reducing Unnecessary Confinement Developing Alternatives to detention Reducing Racial Disparity Avoid Net-widening BARJ Repair not retribution Community Involvement Skill building EBP Matching service to risk Supports least restrictive interventions Supports Data Driven process

Examples of EBP In Santa Cruz Family Wellness – Parent Education Thinking For A Change Motivational Approaches to Success program  MET/CBT 5 Intervention with GAIN Seven Challenges Aggression Replacement Training

Embedding EBP curriculum into intensive programs. Juvenile Hall The Evening Center Wraparound

Taking a Research based Perspective Challenge Grant Reclaiming Futures Evaluation Grant Evaluations Outcomes of reforms

Downsizing of Delinquency in Santa Cruz A Closer look at Reform Efforts In Santa Cruz

A Significant Reduction in the Juvenile Hall Population… 53% Decrease

A Significant Reduction in the Juvenile Hall Population… 58% Decrease

A Significantly Shorter Stay in Juvenile Hall… 15% Decrease

There are Significantly Fewer Latinos in Custody… 45% Decrease

Racial Disparity has Been Reduced along with Reductions in Bookings

Youth in Alternatives to Detention do not Jeopardize Public Safety…

Dropping Arrest Rates and Stable Felony Adjudication Rates…

Reductions at all levels of Institutional care Probation Department Values

Santa Cruz County Reductions at all levels of Institutional care, while increasing capacity of community based interventions...

Juvenile Justice Interventions General Fund Cost Per Child *Detention alternatives include home supervision, electronic monitoring and advocacy and recreation services through a community based agency.

Final thoughts If we over sell, we ultimately water down Talking EBP is different that Walking EBP It will take state and local leadership, researchers and foundation support to pull it off This constitute broad culture change and big shifts in thinking– we are not their yet A curriculum is not going to change lives– Beyond social learning there needs to be a youth development framework that supports and encourages prosocial growth through advocacy in addition to supervision as we know it in probation

YCORP

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