The ten Adult Redeploy Illinois pilot sites employ a variety of evidence-based and promising practices, from assessment through the community reintegration component of restorative justice. Although some sites use the same general methods and specific tools, much variation exists due to the local control component outlined in the Crime Reduction Act of 2009. "By providing financial incentives to counties or judicial circuits to create effective local-level evidence-based services, it is possible to reduce crime and recidivism at a lower cost to taxpayers." (Public Act 96-0761)
Probation Caseload Standards
(DuPage, Macon)
Smaller probation caseloads allow for a better detection of violations and subsequent
intervention via a hybrid approach utilizing both surveillance and therapeutic techniques.
Research shows that reducing probation officer caseloads to allow for
a balance between punishment and casework-oriented probation styles, in partnership with
evidence-based practices and services, reduces recidivism. The 2011 federally funded ABT
Associates report provides promising evidence on probation caseload standards.
https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/234596.pdf
Intensive Probation with Services
(Cook, Macon, McLean)
Intensive probation, partnered with evidence-based services, includes a higher degree of
surveillance than traditional probation and may include increased urinalysis/drug testing,
increased face-to-face and collateral contacts, and mandated treatment participation.
Intensive probation officers carry smaller caseloads allowing for more frequent contacts,
quicker identification of rule violations, and a therapeutic approach. Research indicates
reduced recidivism for offenders receiving treatment and services with intensive supervision.
Two 2011 reports from ABT Associates and the Washington State Institute for Public Policy
provide evidence on the effectiveness of intensive probation with services.
http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/rptfiles/11-12-1201.pdf
Drug Court
(Fulton, Jersey, Knox, Madison, Winnebago)
Although localities can implement drug courts slightly differently, all drug courts seek
to reduce substance abuse and criminal recidivism. Techniques used in lieu of immediate
incarceration for a drug-related charge may include drug treatment, drug testing,
comprehensive supervision, and clear sanctions and incentives. Drug courts are a kind of
problem-solving court which, in contrast to traditional courts, attempts to get at the root of
criminogenic behaviors. Extensive research on drug courts indicates improved outcomes when
there is a full integration of treatment and court processes. Documents from both the
Washington State Institute for Public Policy and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority
highlight the key components and evidence pertaining to drug courts.
http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/rptfiles/11-07-1201A.pdf
http://www.icjia.state.il.us/public/strategy2010/pdf/Summit_Problem Solving Courts.pdf
Restorative Justice
(Macon)
Restorative justice is an approach to justice that collectively identifies and addresses harms
involving all those who may have a stake in the offense, while simultaneously holding the
offender responsible for actions. A restorative justice process allows for everyone affected
by a crime (victim, offender, community) to address their needs and find a resolution for
healing, reparation and reintegration, with the goal to prevent future harm. Restorative
justice practices might include victim-offender mediation, group conferencing circles, and
peace circles, all of which include some form of offender-victim dialogue about an offense or
infraction. Information from the Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking and a Public
Safety of Canada report provide information on restorative justice.
http://www.cehd.umn.edu/ssw/rjp/PDFs/RJ_Dialogue_Evidence-based_Practice_1-06.pdf
http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/res/cor/rep/_fl/lmrj-eng.pdf
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(Cook, DuPage, Fulton, Jersey, Knox, Macon, Madison, McLean, St. Clair, Winnebago)
Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches individuals that thinking impacts behavior. In criminal
justice settings, CBT teaches offenders that cognitive deficits, distortions and flawed
thinking patterns can cause negative or criminal behavior. CBT relies on the notion that
changing thoughts can change behavior. Much research exists on the effectiveness of cognitive
behavioral programs with justice-involved populations and the therapy's success in reducing
recidivism. Many trademarked therapies and curricula rely on a cognitive-behavioral
framework. Background and evidence on the effective use of cognitive-behavioral therapy can be
accessed through this 2011 report from the Washington State Institute for Public Policy.
http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/rptfiles/11-07-1201A.pdf
Trauma-Informed Therapy
(Madison, St. Clair, Winnebago)
Trauma-informed therapy exists to first address the consequences of trauma to be able to
facilitate healing. Many people using public behavioral health services or in the criminal
justice system have histories of various traumas leading to unhealthy and criminal behavior.
Trauma-informed therapy recognizes the connection between trauma and substance abuse, anxiety,
depression, etc. (often symptoms of trauma), and the need to work collaboratively with clients
and their support networks to facilitate healing. The National Center for Trauma-Informed
Care, a program of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, provides
information on trauma-informed care services.
http://www.samhsa.gov/nctic/trauma.asp
Mental Health Court
(Madison, St. Clair)
Mental health courts, a kind of problem-solving court, divert offenders with mental health
issues to community-based treatment in lieu of incarceration. Mental health courts serve
individuals who can consent to the court's plan and utilize mental health assessments,
individualized treatment plans, and judicial monitoring to address both mental health needs
and community safety. Documents from both the Washington State Institute for Public Policy and the
Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority highlight the key components and evidence
pertaining to mental health courts.
http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/rptfiles/11-07-1201A.pdf
http://www.icjia.state.il.us/public/strategy2010/pdf/Summit_Problem Solving Courts.pdf
This project was supported by Grant # 2009-SU-B9-0055, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, through the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Points of view or opinions contained within this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice, or the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.