Coach or Referee: Bringing EBPs to Fruition
Go Back

SESSION INFO

Monday, August 17, 2026
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Session Type: Workshop
For more than 3 decades, community corrections agencies have been trying to implement evidence based practices, but continue to face significant barriers. As we reshape staff's role as coaches, we are beginning to see the uptake of evidence based interventions. Increased success rates, higher retention rates and greater staff satisfaction are a direct result of aligning staff's role with the true purpose of community supervision-to help people find paths to success.

SESSION PRESENTERS
Dr. Brian Lovins
President, Justice System Partners


Brian Lovins, Ph.D., is President of Justice System Partners. He earned his PhD in Criminology from the University of Cincinnati School of Criminal Justice, and he is a past-President for the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA). Dr. Lovins has been instrumental in helping the criminal and juvenile justice system create programs that align with best practices for over 30 years. Dr. Lovins routinely consults with agencies regarding their implementation of a coaching framework within the context of evidenced-based interventions, the use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, working closely with communities to develop effective strategies to improve the outcomes for individuals impacted by the system. Dr. Lovins has received the 2020 Edward J. Latessa Practitioner Research Award from the American Society of Criminology-Division on Corrections and Sentencing for his continued body of work in helping community corrections move forward. He has also been honored with the Dr. Simon Dinitz Public Service Award for his work and dedication in helping correctional agencies adopt evidence-based programs and the David Dillingham Award, as well as a being recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus from the University of Cincinnati. His publications include articles on risk assessment, justice involved youth, people who use violence and are adjudicated of sexual offenses, effective interventions, and cognitive-behavioral interventions.