Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) Program


Provides a comprehensive and flexible funding source to probation departments to support a systems change approach in implementing evidence based practices known to be effective in delinquency prevention with the outcome of reducing recidivism rates for youthful offenders (federally funded).
 

The Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) Project

The goal of the Evidenced Based Practices (EBP) Project is to reduce recidivism of youthful offenders by providing a comprehensive and flexible funding source to probation departments to support a systems change approach in implementing evidence based practices known to be effective in delinquency prevention. Federal Juvenile Accountability Block Grants (JABG) funds totaling approximately $1.8 million are set-aside for this project.

Eight probation departments were selected through a competitive process to participate in a two-year systems change approach in implementing or expanding the use of EBP within their local juvenile justice communities. While probation is the lead agency in the implementation of EBP and the main recipient of the services, the success of this project lies in the collaboration and partnership of the key stakeholders within each juvenile justice community. It is expected that through this project, the courts and probation departments, along with other important juvenile justice and community partners, will move forward together in supporting and implementing EBP.

  • organizational development to create a culture that is accepting of best practices and evidence-based approaches;
  • the development of collaborations oriented to best practices and evidence-based approaches within the juvenile justice system;
  • initial training and on-going refresher training;
  • validated risk/needs assessment tools to determine effective case planning;
  • implementation of programs and principles known to produce positive criminal justice and juvenile rehabilitative and developmental outcomes;
  • data collection and analysis to monitor program processes and outcomes;
  • performance management and improvement of programs and practices;
  • quality assurance assessments to ensure fidelity to proven models and adherence to standards of care;
  • and sustainability efforts to ensure continuation of successful programs and practices after the termination of outside funding.

Project Descriptions

  • The Humboldt County Evidence Based Practices Project will utilize JABG funding for organizational development, quality assurance activities, integration of data systems, case management training and community stakeholder engagement and education.
  • The Napa County Evidence Based Practices Project (Expanding EBP Programs) will utilize JABG funding to provide training for a team of probation officers and community-based agency counselors in Family Functional Therapy and The Parent Project, both evidenced based programs.
  • The Riverside County Evidence Based Practices Project (Evidence Based Practices for Juveniles) will utilize JABG funding to implement Motivational Interviewing training for staff assigned to juvenile services and to purchase a train the trainer course and juvenile program material for the Forward Thinking Interactive Journaling System.
  • The Sacramento County Evidence Based Practices Project (Ensuring Effective Practices) will utilize JABG funding to add Information Technology (IT) infrastructure (hardware and IT Analysts) to support and enhance the Probation Department’s ability to collect and analyze data for quality assurance and evaluation of their evidence based practices.
  • The Santa Clara County Evidence Based Practices Project (The Qualitative Use of Empirically Supported Treatment) will utilize JABG funding to provide staff training, enhance quality assurance activities and improve data collection and analysis to promote the system wide use of EBP and ensure that youth are receiving the right services in the right doses.
  • The Santa Cruz County Evidence Based Practices Project will utilize JABG funding to support the cost of: 1) An EBP Quality Assurance Probation Officer dedicated to implementing, advancing and monitoring the risk/needs assessment tool and other EBP interventions; and 2) The development of a collaborative re-entry program for teens utilizing EBP interventions for youth returning to their community from out of home placement.
  • The Stanislaus County Evidence Based Practices Project (Girls Juvenile Justice Initiative) will utilize JABG funding to extend and build upon the newly implemented Gender Responsive Alternatives to Detention project that provides evidence based, gender responsive services to justice involved girls. JABG funding will also be used to document the process and outcomes of the broader Girls Juvenile Justice Initiative.
  • The Yolo County Evidence Based Practices Project (Yolo County Probation Juvenile Justice EBP Project) will utilize JABG funding to expand departmental efforts by implementing data supported system-accountability though individual and programming quality assurance activities, program assessment, and assessment tool modification and integration.