Structured Decision Making Framework (SDMF) Site Implementation Project

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In recent years, interest in high-quality parole decision making process has grown significantly. Paroling authorities are under considerable pressure and subject to substantial public and government scrutiny. It is in this environment that NIC developed, in collaboration with the Legal Decision-Making Lab of Carleton University, a tool – structured decision making framework (SDMF) – to improve decision making for offenders being released into the community from prisons. This tool, SDMF, acts as a road map or guideline for parole board members to help them reach, consistent, transparent and defensible release decisions. The structured approach guides parole board members through the deliberation process of making parole decision by considering the offender’s information that has been demonstrated to be closely linked to positive post-release performance. The SDMF use has been supported through research in Canada and in the US by NIC. The research has demonstrated that using the SDMF increases both accuracy and accountability. Given the high stakes involved in parole decision making, even minimal improvements in the predictive accuracy can result in fewer victims and safer communities. In short, the SDMF is a standardized and structured approach or decision making process that has been validated. It is a due diligence model grounded in evidence-based practice.Two years ago, NIC developed a specialized technical assistance (TA) program and process to assist paroling authorities in planning for and implementing the SDMF into their existing practices. NIC has administered the program with a total of eight (8) paroling authorities requesting assistance. One major expectation of this training program is to enhance public safety by better identifying those offenders who are ready for re-entry and those who are not.

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