Crime and Justice Institute at Community Resources for Justice, Kristy Pierce-Danford, & Meghan Guevara (2010). Chapter Four: Assuring Quality & Fidelity In Commonwealth of Virginia: Roadmap for Evidence-Based Practices in Community Correct. (pp.68-101).

In this chapter the authors provide a thorough overview of the quality assurance and fidelity process and give step-by-step instructions on how to implement an evaluation process of Evidence-Based Practices. This chapter includes a description and overview of quality assurance and why it matters; a detailed ten step plan to create and implement a quality assurance plan, including sample tools and techniques; and things to keep in mind when creating a quality assurance plan.

Fixsen, D. L., Naoom, S. F., Blase, K. A., Friedman, R. M. & Wallace, F. (2005). Implementation Research: A Synthesis of the Literature. Tampa, FL: University of South Florida, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute,The National Implementation Research Network (FMHI Publication #231).

This guide reviews relevant literature from the last several years regarding the implementation of Evidence- Based Practices (EBP) in organizations. Although not specific to any one EBP, it provides a way to analyze the readiness of agency and individuals to change. Suggestions are offered for coaching staff and other individuals in their role in the implementation process, as well as how to measure fidelity and success once the new practices are in place. Part of evaluating program and agency performance is identifying the goal standards and then measuring compliance to these standards. This article provides samples of forms for measuring fidelity and gives suggestions of how to do so. Examples of fidelity measures are given, as well as information about how to proceed with Organizational Level Fidelity Measurements.

Behn, B. (2007). Only a Very Few Priority Measures. Bob Behn’s Public Management Report (5)1.

Mr. Behn discusses what he calls the “inevitable measurement march”, whereby agencies end up adopting too many measures to study. The process of adopting too many measures is examined and the need for a “few priority measures” is encouraged. This is a brief but useful article for organizations that are either starting the process or currently engaged in the process of studying interventions.

National Criminal Justice Association (March 16, 2011). From Research to Implementation.

This online webinar is a discussion regarding the identification, utilization and implementation of Evidence- Based Practices (EBP). Dr. Delbert Elliot discusses his “Blueprints for Violence Prevention Initiative” which helps to identify EBP’s that are helpful specifically in the juvenile justice system. He reviews the ways that EBP’s are verified and offers a list of programs. Dr. J. David Hawkins reviews the Communities that Care Model, which helps communities to evaluate their specific needs and decide which EBP’s to use. He also discusses periodic evaluation of the programs in order to ensure that the needs of the community continue to be met. Mike Pennington discusses the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s efforts to identify and implement EBP’s within their Juvenile Justice system. He reviews the importance of connecting with other agencies and service providers within the system in order to pool resources and ensure communication and consistent delivery of services. The webinar is approximately 80 minutes long and includes power point presentation with statistics regarding return on investment for specific EBP’s.