Home      Login

Abstract: 

Although the justice system has been committed to the implementation of evidence-based and research-informed practices for more than two decades and a considerable amount of research points to what works and how systems can work better for all, there remains a gap between what policies, programs, and practices are intended to do and the outcomes they produce. Organizational change takes time, effort, energy, and resources, beyond just more money and people, and traditional change initiatives have high rates of failure, which can cause burnout, cynical staff, and a frustrated public. There are better ways to implement changes and shifts in our organizations, and the science of implementation demonstrates that much of what we do, while considered common sense or logical, is simply misguided. Leaders who understand the science of implementation and how to lead change in organizations are better equipped to execute strategies effectively, navigate complexity, engage employees at all levels, and drive continuous improvement, ultimately contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of their organizations. This article outlines the transformative experience of adopting implementation science and leadership across multiple systems and stakeholders in Minnesota, where organizations and systems stepped outside their comfort zone to focus on sustainable, incremental change in human-serving systems across diverse delivery systems.

Keywords: Justice system, organizational change, implementation science, Alliance for Community and Justice Innovation’s Implementation Leadership Academy (ACJI ILA), Minnesota

Affiliations:  1: Ramsey County Community Corrections; 2: Minnesota Department of Corrections; 3: Scott County Community Corrections; 4: Minnesota Department of Corrections; 5: Alliance for Community and Justice Innovation.