Perceptions of Evidence-Based Practice Among Juvenile Justice Workers From a Detention Facility Located In the Rural Deep South

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-6-2022

School

Social Work

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine how often evidence-based practices (EBPs) were used in a detention facility in the rural Deep South and to examine barriers that might interfere with their implementation.

Methods: Mixed methods were used including an anonymous online survey and three in-depth interviews with juvenile justice workers.

Results: Findings showed inconsistencies among workers regarding their reported use of EBPs, specifically regarding mental health, substance abuse treatment and parental involvement. Qualitative findings using thematic analysis indicated that the major barriers were limited resources and lack of family engagement.

Discussion: The varied responses regarding the types and frequency of EBPs were surprising given that only one facility was examined. Qualitative findings demonstrated some inconsistencies with prior research regarding the challenging nature of implementing EBPs.

Conclusion: This study highlighted a gap between evidence-informed research and practice in a rural justice system in the Deep South.

Publication Title

Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work

Volume

20

Issue

1

First Page

98

Last Page

121

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