Abstract:The Evidence-based Prevention and Intervention Support Center (EPISCenter), is a grant-funded project of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) in partnership with the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center at the Pennsylvania State University, and is a US national model for capacity building.
This session will share examples from EPISCenter’s work with PA policy makers and community members to advance evidence-based practices at the state and local levels, a state-agency and state-university partnership to support evidence-informed decision making at the state and local levels.
Community and neighborhood members play important roles in promoting the healthy development of children, youth, and families. They have the best understanding of their local context, and often they are the most likely resource for carrying out activities that address local problems. State agencies develop funding and policy priorities that impact the resources available to communities to address the challenges they face.
Both of these groups – state agencies and community members – can benefit from support from a university partner who can provide expert consultation to build their capacities to use the best research to inform decisions and actions.
Vita:Dr. Stephanie Bradley
*1975, Director, Evidence-based Prevention and Intervention Support Center (EPISCenter) at the Prevention Research Center at Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Ph.D., Human Development & Family Studies, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University (2013), MS Degree at Pennsylvania State University, Department of Huan Development & Family Studies (2010), BA. in Psychology at Georgia State University (2006)
Dr. Bradley regularly presents to and consults with policymakers around effective prevention practices and how the EPISCenter, funded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) and the PA Dept. of Human Services can help ensure that communities have the needed capacities to prevent risk for youth, family and community through evidence-based delinquency prevention programs and practices, implemented with high quality, monitored with valid data, and sustained over time.
She is the Prinicpal Investigator on the technical assistance grants for EPISCenter, awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, has presented widely regarding effective intervention programs and given testimonies at hearings at the Pennsylvania Legislative Center for Rural Pennsylvania “Confronting the heroin/opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania” and the Philadelphia City Council, Special committee on Criminal Justice Reform (both April 2016).
