Appendix 9 Correctional Program Checklist (CPC).docx

The Correctional Program Checklist (CPC) is a tool developed to assess the extent to which correctional treatment programs adhere to the known principles of effective intervention. It is designed to evaluate the integrity of a program, not outcomes. The CPC is based on the results of over 500 program assessments and three large outcome studies.

The CPC is divided into two basic areas: Capacity and Content.

The Capacity area is designed to measure whether a correctional program has the capability to deliver evidence-based interventions and services for offenders. There are three domains in the capacity area:

CAPACITY

1. Leadership and Development

0. Involvement and qualifications of program director

0. Implementation and design of the program

0. Support for the program

The Content area has two domains and focuses on the substantive domains of Offender Assessment and Treatment Characteristics, and the extent to which the program meets the principles of risk, need, responsivity, and treatment.

CONTENT

0. How treatment is delivered

0. Provision of aftercare

Information is gathered through structured interviews with selected program staff and program participants and observation of groups and staff. Other sources of information include policy manuals, program curricula, schedules, review of case files, surveys, and other selected program materials.

There are several advantages to the CPC:

1. All of the indicators included in the CPC have been found to be correlated with reductions in recidivism.

1. The process provides a measure of program integrity and quality; it provides insight into the “black box” of a program, something that an outcome study alone does not provide.

1. The results can be obtained relatively quickly; usually the process takes a day or two and a report is generated within a few weeks.

Evidence-Based Correctional Program Checklist

CPC Overview WI DOC EBP Manager Revision 2017 1 of 2

1. It identifies both the strengths and weaknesses of a program and provides recommendations designed to improve the integrity of the program and to increase effectiveness.

Evaluation Steps

1. Schedule site visit with program and program evaluators one month in advance. Outline necessary documentation for review.

1. Day of site visit:

0. Meet with program/treatment director and staff to discuss plan for the day

0. Interview program/treatment director

0. Interview staff

0. Interview program participants

0. Review case files

0. Review program manuals and curricula

0. Review assessment instruments

0. Observe treatment group(s)

1. Day after the site visit the CPC team meets to determine the final scores for the program evaluation.

1. Within 60-75 days following the site visit, a draft report detailing evaluation results and recommendations is shared with the program.

1. Program is allowed 30 days to respond to the draft report in writing, noting any information that is incorrect or that may have been missed.

1. Evaluation team takes program’s response into consideration, then compiles a final report and shares this with the program and other relevant parties.

1. Representatives of the WI-DOC and the service agency will collaboratively craft an action plan detailing the necessary steps relative to addressing evaluation recommendations.

1. As part of the process, the service agency would be expected to participate in a guided action planning workshop.

1. The WI-DOC will provide ongoing technical assistance and support to program representatives as implementation of action planning activities occurs.

1. The earliest interval for re-evaluation of the program would be two years.