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Implementation Science

When applied in a criminal justice context, as with other human services settings, implementation science ‘incorporates three frameworks: 1) intervention components, 2) implementation drivers, and 3) implementation states.” When applied and continuously adjusted with new data, each framework increases opportunities for achieving desired outcomes in community supervision practice.

  • Court Date Notifications:  A Summary of Research and Best Practices

    Date: March 2021 
    This study from the New York City Criminal Justice Agency researches the reasons for failures to appear for court appearances and how the court date notification system can play a key role in decreasing FTAs. The study also touches on using person-centered language when dealing with justice-involved individuals. The current language used results in stigma and marginalized labeling of the person's status. Alternative language examples are provided.

  • Using Implementation Science to Transform Policy into Practice: The Federal Probation and Pretrial Services System's Evidenced-Based Journey

    Date: September 2020 
    This article examines the current state of the federal probation and pretrial system and highlights some of its successes and shortfalls. This study utilizes quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the current system's evidence-based practices and programming.

  • A Review of Best Practices in Probation for LA County

    Date: April 2017 
    This study by Resource Development Associates of the LA County Probation Department identifies, outlines, and recommends the steps necessary for organizational change and provides guidance for implementing evidence-based and best practices.

  • The First Step Act of 2018:  One Year of Implementation

    Date: August 2020 
    This report overview of key findings from the U.S. Sentencing Commission reviews the first year of implementation of the impacts of the five provisions related to sentencing reform compared to the previous year. Links to the full report and facts at a glance are also available.

    An infographic showing drug recidivist penalties that help reduced recidivism year over year

  • The 10 Essential Principles of Implementation Leadership: Real World Applications of Change Leadership Acumen

    Date: September 2020 
    This article from Federal probation outlines the steps necessary to use the implementation science community. It offers compelling evidence that traditional change and implementation initiatives have even higher failure rates when working to implement evidence-based solutions to improve organizational outcomes. In addition, the article provides how leaders must equip the staff in their organizations with interdisciplinary knowledge, complex skills, and practice models, all delivered with the effective application of implementation science.