Evidence-based practices. Evidence-based corrections helps policy makers and legislators make well-informed decisions about community-based corrections policies in order to increase effectiveness and enhance the efficient use of available resources. The authors discuss the evidence-based literature that applies to community-based corrections.

Professionalism. Effective community-based correctional programs are grounded in the assumption that corrections professionals embrace evaluation research as fundamental to effective practice. Community corrections professionals accept program evaluation as an integral means of improving treatment effectiveness.

Theory. Theory plays a pivotal role in the development of evidence-based community corrections. The authors discuss the “principles of effective correctional intervention,” one of the most promising multidisciplinary theoretical developments in the field today, and suggest policy implications that stem from today’s criminological theories.

Critical thinking. Employing evidence-based practices requires us to rely on reason rather than emotion. It beckons us to follow evidence where it leads and to be more concerned with finding the best explanation than with being right. Preparing students for tomorrow, the authors created a book that encourages them to be critical thinkers who analyze and evaluate evidence.