Problem
The problem the study aimed to address:
The research investigates the disconnect between criminogenic needs and the availability of programs in state correctional systems. It aims to evaluate whether existing programs are truly evidence-based or merely promising, addressing the lack of rigorous evaluation and uniform standards in correctional programming.
General impact on the system and/or public:
The inefficiency of correctional systems to match offender needs with proper evidence-based programs leads to continued overcrowding, fiscal burdens, and potential public safety risks due to unaddressed recidivism.
Research Questions:
- How can correctional programming inventory align with the Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) model?
- What constitutes evidence-based versus promising practices in correctional programs?
- How can gap analyses identify program strengths and weaknesses in meeting criminogenic needs?
Method and Analysis
Program Evaluated:
The study examined programs offered by the Washington State Department of Corrections, focusing on their adherence to evidence-based standards and principles of effective intervention.
Data and Sample Size:
- Comprehensive inventory of 1,433 correctional programs in Washington State (fiscal year 2013).
- Analysis focused on six categories: offender change, substance abuse treatment, sex offender treatment, transitional programs, education, and correctional industries.
Analysis Used:
- Development of operational definitions for evidence-based, research-based, and promising practices.
- Use of meta-analyses, vote counting, and gap analyses to evaluate program efficacy.
- Decision-tree methodology to rank programs along evidence-based criteria.
Outcome
Key Findings:
- Only a fraction of programs were evidence-based, with many categorized as promising or lacking sufficient evaluation.
- Criminogenic needs were not consistently addressed due to mismatched program components or populations.
- Programs with clear adherence to principles like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) demonstrated more consistent positive outcomes.
Implications or Recommendations:
- Correctional systems should adopt rigorous evaluation tools like the Correctional Program Assessment Inventory (CPAI) and ongoing quality assurance processes.
- Gap analyses should be institutionalized to match offender needs with effective programs.
- Legislatures should ensure funding for evaluations and foster the development of a robust evidence-based program repository.
- Future research should refine meta-analytical methods to address setting-specific differences (e.g., institutional vs. community corrections).
This structured approach outlines the critical elements of the research for Criminology or Criminal Justice professionals aiming to enhance evidence-based practices in correctional systems.