Evidence-Based Practices in the Criminal Justice System

This 3 credit elective course provides students with an overview of the quality of evidence used to determine effective service and treatment interventions that are provided in the U.S. criminal justice system. As such, this course will build upon the knowledge students have acquired in the foundation research course. An empirical model for assessing evidence used in the criminal justice system to arrive at decisions about what works and what does not work regarding specific service and treatment interventions will be examined. Students will learn how to apply the model and gain practice through case examples. Implications for social work practice will presented including how evidence is translated in social work practice and human service organizations, evidence limitations and feasibility issues. The course will focus on applying evidence-based practices to populations such as crime victims, immigrants, juveniles, women and people of color who are involved in the criminal justice, as well as some of the social problems they experience such as substance abuse, violence and mental health needs at both individual and community levels.