Evidence-Based Adult Corrections Programs: What Works and What Does Not

This report to the Washington State Legislature summarizes our latest review of evidence-based adult corrections programs. We previously published a review on this topic in 2001. In this study, we update and significantly extend our earlier effort.

We are publishing our current work in two installments. In this preliminary report, we provide a systematic review of the evidence on what works (and what does not) to reduce crime. In a subsequent final report, to be published in October 2006, this analysis will include a benefit-cost estimate for each option.

Options to Stabilize Prison Populations in Washington—Interim Report

The 2005 Washington State Legislature directed the Institute to identify options that can cost-effectively reduce the need for future prison capacity. This brief interim report summarizes some general background information, discusses the research we have conducted to date, and outlines the work that will be completed in the final report, which will be presented to the Legislature by October 1, 2006.

Failure to Register as a Sex Offender—Revised

This report examines the relationship between failure to register as a sex offender and subsequent recidivism.

Sex Offender Risk Level Classification Tool and Recidivism

This report examines how well the components within the Sex Offender Risk Level Classification Tool, the notification considerations and risk assessment scores, predict felony sex recidivism.

Special Sex Offender Sentencing Alternative Trends

This report first examines trends in granting special sex offender sentencing alternatives (SSOSAs). The report then compares recidivism rate trends for those granted a SSOSA to sex offenders not granted a SSOSA.

Special Sex Offender Sentencing Alternative Revocations

This report examines special sex offender sentencing alternative ( SSOSA) revocations.

Predicting Recidivism Based on Demographics and Criminal History

This report describes how well a “static” risk tool being developed by the Institute for the Department of Corrections predicts recidivism for Washington State sex offenders. This tool is considered static, since it is based solely on demographic and criminal history data that cannot be changed.

Comparative Review of Washington State Schools for Students With Sensory Disabilities: Version 2

Revised

The 2005 Washington State Legislature directed the Institute to compare service delivery, financing, and governance of the Washington State School for the Blind (WSB) and School for the Deaf (WSD). This study updates and expands a 2002 review of WSD. This report presents comparison data on the two schools and identifies policy options for the future.

Click here for the 2002 report and its accompanying literature review.

Evidence-Based Treatment of Chemical Dependency, Mental Illness, and Co-Occurring Disorders: Benefits, Costs, and Fiscal Impacts—Interim Report

The 2005 Washington State Legislature directed the Institute to examine the following questions:

• Can evidence-based treatment for people with mental health and chemical dependency disorders save money for state and local governments?
• Viewed more broadly, do total benefits outweigh total costs?

The specific assigned task is to project state and local fiscal savings and other impacts of evidence-based treatments for those with chemical dependency disorders, mental illness, or both. This interim report summarizes the research approach and work currently underway. A final report will be presented to the Legislature by June 30, 2006.

Has Community Notification Reduced Recidivism?

This report examines the influence of sex offender registration and community notification statutes on recidivism.