Message from Executive Director, John A. Tuell
On behalf of the RFK National Resource Center, I’m pleased to share a new resource released by the Urban Institute, Bridging Research and Practice in Juvenile Probation: Rethinking Strategies to Promote Long-term Change (available online). I also wish to acknowledge our Associate Executive Director, Kari Harp, and Probation System Reform Practice Network member, Dr. John Ryals, who were honored to be a part of the work group that provided input and feedback during the development of this valuable resource.
Abstract
Over the past several decades, the knowledge base on how to improve public safety and outcomes for youth has expanded substantially, yet probation officers that work with these young people lack guidance on how this research can inform their work. This report offers practical tips for frontline juvenile probation officers to align their practice with research on successful strategies for reducing recidivism and improving outcomes for youth, their families, and the communities in which they live. The report describes five core practice areas-screening, assessment, and structured decision-making; case planning; matching services and promoting positive youth development; structuring supervision to promote long-term behavior change; and incentivizing success and implementing graduated responses. For each area, the report highlights relevant research findings, identifies core focus areas for bridging research and practice, and offers concrete strategies for probation officers and agencies to hold youth accountable, prevent future delinquency, and promote healthy development.
To access this resource, please visit:
https://www.urban.org/research/publication/bridging-research-and-practice-juvenile-probation