Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Corrections Professional Certificate Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

The corrections industry is changing, and having a workforce trained in the most current practices is essential to reduce recidivism. In Minnesota, students looking to pursue a law enforcement career attend a training academy to gain the practical skills necessary to be employable. Job seekers in the Community Corrections field do not begin skills training until employment. Although staff are required to meet minimum education/experience qualifications and receive pre-service training, the breadth of skills necessary to do the job come in the first two years of providing direct services to clients. The Evidence-Based Practice Corrections Professional Certificate Program was created in partnership with Metropolitan State University to provide students with the practical skills necessary to work effectively with correctional clients. The program moved six corrections curriculums into a single certificate program, reducing the delivery time from two years to one semester by outsourcing it to the University. The program builds practical corrections skills more quickly and effectively. The program is also designed to serve as a pathway to corrections employment. Changes to hiring practices were included to intentionally pipeline competent and diverse participants into permanent county employment.