Monroe County, Indiana

Evidence Based Practices Defined

The National Institute of Corrections defines evidence-based practice (EBP) as the objective, balanced, and responsible use of current research and the best available data to guide policy and practice decisions, such that outcomes for consumers are improved. Used originally in the health care and social science fields, evidence-based practice focuses on approaches demonstrated to be effective through empirical research rather than through anecdote or professional experience alone.

The Probation Department began utilizing evidence-based practices (EBP) in 1998. Research has shown that when probation, parole, and community corrections programs are evidence-based organizations, they are more likely to be successful in reducing recidivism. However, using evidence-based programs and practices alone does not make an organization an “evidence-based organization.”  The Indiana Department of Correction (DOC) requires that all programs receiving DOC grant funding shall use such funds to support an evidence-based practices organization as described in Mark Carey's “Building and Sustaining an EBP Organization” audit tool.  The Community Corrections division of the Department is audited by the DOC with this audit tool to determine if the organization is utilizing programs and conducting business according to policies and procedures that could be demonstrated by research to be effective in reducing offender recidivism.

EBP organizations must do such things as: complete validated risk assessments on all offenders; train staff to effectively communicate with offenders (motivational interviewing, finding what motivates the individual offender); offer a continuum of programming especially cognitive behavioral programs which research validates are successful in reducing risk of recidivism; and measure effectiveness of programming/practices through continuous quality improvement (CQI).

Reducing Revocations Challenge

• REDUCING REVOCATIONS CHALLENGE PROJECT PHASE 1 :
• Findings from Monroe County, Indiana, Final Report (June 30, 2021).   In May 2019, Arnold Ventures and the City University of New York Institute for State and Local Governance (ISLG)announced the launch of the Reducing Revocations Challenge, a national initiative dedicated to transforming probation supervision and reducing unnecessary failures that contribute to mass incarceration. Arnold Ventures funded research in ten jurisdictions across the United States to examine the drivers behind probation revocations. The challenge supported action research in the selected jurisdictions to better understand why revocations occur and how they can prevented. This is the final report for Monroe County, Indiana.  For additional information contact Dr. Miriam Northcutt Bohmert, Ph.D., at mirnorth@indiana.edu.

• Phase 1 Reducing Revocations Challenge Monroe County IN FINAL Report Summary (6-29-2021)

• Phase 1 Reducing Revocations Challenge Monroe County IN FINAL Recommendations Summary (6-29-2021)

• REDUCING REVOCATIONS CHALLENGE (RRC) PHASE  2:    
• Monroe County and its research partners (listed below) were chosen as one of only five sites across the U.S. to continue with Phase 2 of the Challenge.  The first phase focused on examining existing data and talking with probation clients, probation officers, attorneys, and judges to identify potential areas of change.  In this second phase, Arnold Ventures provides funding to support training for probation officers and other interventions to disrupt pathways that lead to revocation, and ultimately increase client success on community supervision.  

           The Probation Department will receive $170,000 to implement three (3) strategies:

• Strategy 1: Increase fidelity to Motivational Interviewing (MI), Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS), and effective case planning.

             Update September 2022: Training to increase probation officer skills in these areas is underway.  

• Strategy 2: Revise standard conditions of probation.

            Update September 2022:  The probation RRC team met with consultant Dr. Brian Lovins several times,                              alongside probation staff, attorneys, and judges, to revise the standard conditions of probation.

• Strategy 3: Increase the use of incentives for probation officers and incentives for probation clients including earned early termination from probation supervision.

             Update September 2022:  Workgroups have been identified and are beginning to meet to discuss policy and                 practice around these important issues.

             For additional information contact Dr. Miriam Northcutt Bohmert, Ph.D., at mirnorth@indiana.edu.