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PUBLIC CORRECTIONAL POLICY ON RESEARCH AND EVALUATION 1987-5 Introduction: Research and evaluation, and the use of the findings that result from such efforts, are essential to informed decision-making and the development and effectiveness of correctional policies. Policy Statement: Correctional agencies have a continuing responsibility to promote, initiate, sponsor, and participate in correctional research and evalua- tion efforts, both external and internal, in order to expand knowledge about offender behavior and identify exemplary practices that can be used to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of pro - grams and services. To encourage and support these research and evaluation efforts, correctional agencies should: A. Establish clearly defined procedures for data collection and analysis that ensure the accu- racy, consistency, integrity and impartiality of correctional research projects; B. Conduct regular and systematic research

D. Advocate for the amendment of laws and li- censing regulations to mitigate unreasonable barriers to the employment of offenders; E. Provide education to offenders regarding access to health care via community health care providers, insurance coverage, employ- ment benefits, etc.; F. Increase systems collaboration through external employment resources such as workforce investment boards and career centers; G. Advocate for employment services and support the coordination and continuity of services provided to offenders; and H. Develop measures to monitor and evaluate the performance of internal workforce devel- opment programs. This Public Correctional Policy was unani- mously ratified by the American Correctional Association Delegate Assembly at the Congress of Correction in New Orleans, Aug. 6, 1987. It was last reviewed and reaffirmed at the 2017 Winter Conference in San Antonio, TX, January 24, 2017.

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