Evidence-Based Practices

At the Center for Justice Innovation, we are committed to bridging the worlds of research and practice and spreading programs that have been determined to be effective.

This includes spreading evidence-based practices that have been documented by rigorous evaluation to have a positive impact.

When implemented with care, evidence-based practices are likely to make a difference, reducing crime and incarceration. No matter how strong the research supporting a particular intervention, success is dependent on the quality and consistency of implementation. The use of evidence-based practices should be guided by modesty, an appreciation of local factors, and a healthy dose of skepticism. There are no magic solutions to complicated problems. This balance of rigorous study and a strong connection to on-the-ground practice is at the core of the Center’s research-practice approach.

Initiatives

Rethinking Rikers Island

By providing support to the Independent Commission on Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform, we're aiding in the effort to reduce New York City’s jail population and close Rikers Island.

Publications & Digital Media

Label:Publication

Veterans Treatment Court Strategic Planning

In 2019, the Center for Court Innovation received funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to assist five states in the development and implementation of statewide strategic plans for their Veterans Treatment Courts (VTC). The selected states were California, Maine, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Each state participated in a needs assessment process that included a document analysis and stakeholder interviews.

Evidence-Based Practices, Rethinking Incarceration, Treatment Courts
Label:Publication

Multisite Evaluation of Prosecutor-Led Diversion Programs

by Michael Rempel, Melissa Labriola, Priscillia Hunt, Robert C. Davis, Warren A. Reich, and Samantha Cherney

This study examines 16 programs seeking to divert cases out of the criminal justice system finding significant reductions in the probability of a conviction, jail sentence, and future re-arrest, along with sizable savings in costs and resources.

Diversion, Evidence-Based Practices
Label:Audio

Drug Testing and the Ordeal of Probation

by Matt Watkins

Think of probation as an enormous testing period: will you be able to adhere to the thicket of conditions governing your daily life? Fail at any of them and you could be sent to prison. At the heart of this testing ethos is drug testing, affecting almost all of the 2.9 million people on probation in the U.S. The tests are time-consuming, expensive, and traumatic. There is also little evidence justifying their use.

Evidence-Based Practices, Reducing Trauma, Reentry

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News

Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams in Conversation with the Street Action Network

To mark the launch of the cutting-edge Street Action Network, Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams led a conversation with Co-Directors Javonte Alexander and Basaime Spate on the future of community safety research.
Once-Resistant Rural Court Officials Begin to Embrace Medications to Treat Addiction

June 29, 2023
KFF

In this article, our Director of Treatment Court Programs Monica Christofferson comments on the increasing acceptance of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in the drug court system. The story follows Tennessee Judge O. Duane Slone, his pilot programs with MOUD, and the successful recoveries of participants like Rachel Solomon. In short, as Christofferson put it: “MOUD works.”
Connecticut prosecutors strive for efficiency, equity through 'Moving Justice Forward' initiative

July 21, 2023
Connecticut Public Radio

Connecticut Public Radio gives a brief outline of the Moving Justice Forward project, which we helped develop in partnership with Connecticut's Division of Criminal Justice. Alternatives to incarceration, robust training for prosecutors, and concerns about wrongful convictions were among the topics discussed at a July press conference on the initiative—highlighting the urgency of efforts to create a fairer, more effective legal system for all.

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Initiatives

Publications & Digital Media

Publications Results

Veterans Treatment Court Strategic Planning

Multisite Evaluation of Prosecutor-Led Diversion Programs

Drug Testing and the Ordeal of Probation

News

Press Results

Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams in Conversation with the Street Action Network

Once-Resistant Rural Court Officials Begin to Embrace Medications to Treat Addiction

Connecticut prosecutors strive for efficiency, equity through 'Moving Justice Forward' initiative

We work with reformers around the world.