The Standardized Program Evaluation Protocol (SPEP™) is a validated, data driven evaluative tool for determining how well an existing program matches to research evidence for the effectiveness of reducing the recidivism of juvenile offenders. Full implementation of SPEP™ allows juvenile justice systems to evaluate their service array, focus service-related data collection on features related to the expected effectiveness of those services, and develop deeper partnerships with providers as part of a service optimization effort.
The Standardized Program Evaluation Protocol (SPEP™) was created by Dr. Mark Lipsey with Vanderbilt University in the early 2000s, and further defined by Dr. Gabrielle Chapman with the introduction of a rating instrument, feedback process, and life cycle.
SPEP™ is based on a meta-analysis of over 700 studies, both experimental and quasi-experimental, spanning over thirty years. Dr. Lipsey’s team has collected all of the research investigating the effectiveness of interventions for reducing the recidivism of juvenile offenders that uses adequately controlled research designs and can be located with vigorous searching. A wide range of descriptive information about the characteristics of those studies and statistical information about the magnitude of their effects on recidivism have been assembled into a database and analyzed to identify the program features most strongly associated with reductions in recidivism. The database is routinely updated and new studies continue to be added.
DJJ has made an investment to implement and sustain evidence-based and evidence-informed practices in Virginia. Implementing SPEP™ as the evaluative tool for services delivered to DJJ-involved youth maintains this investment. SPEP™ compares the characteristics within programs and services as they are delivered to the research in an effort to determine how to optimized to maximize service effectiveness in reducing juvenile recidivism. SPEP™ encapsulates a quality assurance approach and process to drive sustainable performance improvement for juvenile justice programs. The Quality Assurance (QA) Unit has certified Level II SPEP™ trainers. The QA Unit delivers training for Level I SPEP™ Specialists, including a classroom training and experiential or practical application training.
The following providers have partnered with the QA Unit to have their services evaluated utilizing SPEP™:
