2014/05/28 Council Agenda Packet

Evidence -Based Programs or Practices OJP strongly emphasizes the use of data and evidence in policy making and program development in criminal justice, juvenile justice, and crime victim services. OJP is committed to: • improving the quantity and quality of evidence OJP generates; • integrating evidence into program, practice, and policy decisions within OJP and the field; and • improving the translation of evidence into practice. OJP considers programs and practices to be evidence -based when their effectiveness has been demonstrated by causal evidence, generally obtained through one or more outcome evaluations. Causal evidence documents a relationship between an activity or intervention (including technology) and its intended outcome, including measuring the direction and size of a change, and the extent to which a change may be attributed to the activity or intervention. Causal evidence depends on the use of scientific methods to rule out, to the extent possible, alternative explanations for the documented change. The strength of causal evidence, based on the factors described above, will influence the degree to which OJP considers a program or practice to be evidence -based. OJP's CrimeSolutions.qov web site is one resource that applicants may use to find information about evidence -based programs in criminal justice, juvenile justice, and crime victim services. Additionally, when considering evidence -based programs and practices specific to reentry, it is recommended that jurisdictions review the What Works in Reentry Clearinghouse for important research on the effectiveness of a wide variety of reentry programs and practices. The Clearinghouse provides a one -stop shop for practitioners and service providers seeking guidance on evidence -based reentry interventions. Amount and Length of Awards Eligible allocations under JAG are posted annually on BJA's JAG web page: www.bia.gov/ProgramDetails.aspx?Program ID=59. Awards of at least $25,000 or more are 4 years in length with an award period of October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2017. Extensions beyond a 4-year period may be made on a case - by -case basis at the discretion of BJA and must be requested via the Grants Management System (GMS) no less than 30 days prior to the grant end date. Awards that are less than $25,000 are 2 years in length with an award period of October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2015. Requests for up to an additional 2 years to complete performance of the award will be granted automatically, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 3751(f). Extensions beyond a 4-year period may be made on a. case -by -case basis at the discretion of BJA and must be requested via the Grants Management System (GMS) no less than 30 days prior to the grant end date. All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds and to any modifications or additional requirements that may be imposed by law. 99