The Differential Impacts Of Probation Staff Attitudes On Use Of Evidence-Based Practices

The evidence-based policy movement has become an important feature of community corrections systems. As part of this movement, community corrections agencies emphasize the use of standardized assessments to inform case planning with probationers. Despite evidence supporting the use of these practices, research documents many challenges with implementation of these best practices in routine probation work. However, little attention has been paid to the impact of staff attitudes toward use of evidence-based practices on correctional reform. Using hierarchical linear modeling, the current study examined the predictors of attitudes toward and the use of evidence-based supervision practices. Additionally, this study examined the impact of organizational predictors on willingness to use evidencebased practices in their supervision of the probationers on their caseloads. Analyses suggested that net of probation office context, when individual probation staff had positive perceptions regarding their agency, they held more positive attitudes toward evidence-based assessment practices and reported using case planning practices more frequently. Implications surrounding organizational change and evidencebased practice implementation efforts are discussed

Organizational Factors And Probation Officer Use Of Evidence-Based Practices: A Multilevel Examination

Growing evidence pointing to the ineffectiveness of control-oriented supervision practices has led to an emphasis on evidence-based practices (EBPs), or practices that are empirically tied to recidivism reduction. Research on EBPs in probation highlights the importance of case management-oriented supervision and provision of proactive, appropriate program referrals. Despite research support, challenges exist regarding implementing EBPs in real-world practice. Utilizing survey data from 813 adult probation officers across 43 agencies, the current study examined variation in use of case management and proactive referral practices. Findings highlight the important role organizational commitment plays in supporting implementation efforts. Implications suggest a need for probation agencies to promote and sustain staff commitment to their agency before embarking on significant reform efforts