Funder: Massachusetts Parole Board

Project Team: Gina Vincent, PhD (PI), Spencer Lawson, PhD (Co-I), Ira Packer, PhD (Co-I), Kayla Carew, BS, Amy Thornton, BA, Danielle Rieger, MA (consultant)

Description: The Law & Psychiatry Program provides consultation and implementation support to evaluate and improve the use of evidence-based practices (i.e., risk assessment, risk-need-responsivity, case planning) in parole practices. The team was enlisted to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of the current use of evidence-based practices within parole and make procedural and training recommendations. The Law & Psychiatry Team works collaboratively with the MA Parole Board to implement these recommendations through changes in procedures and information gathering, staff training, and the development of a case planning and coaching model.