Standardized Program Evaluation Protocol (SPEP™)

SPEP™ is part of Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy.

Dr. Mark Lipsey of Vanderbilt University developed the SPEP™ based on his meta-analysis of what works to reduce delinquency among juveniles. Assessments are based on service type, quality of service delivery, amount of service, and youth level of risk to determine the service’s predictive impact on recidivism reduction. Dr. Gabrielle Chapman of Vanderbilt University provides oversight of all training and implementation of the SPEP™ in Pennsylvania.

SPEP™ implementation in Pennsylvania is a partnership between EPIS SPEP™ Implementation Specialists, local juvenile probation departments, and service providers. Each assessed service receives a feedback report with recommendations to better align the service with the research findings. A performance improvement plan is developed based on the recommendations, and progress is reviewed quarterly until the goals are achieved. Upon completion of the goals, the service is reassessed and the process repeated. EPIS has two Level 3 Master SPEP™ Trainers who oversee the training of juvenile probation officers.

For more information and resources, use the links provided below:

SPEP™ Assessment Process: Getting Started
SPEP™ Assessment Score
SPEP™ Assessment Results: Next Steps
SPEP™ Resources
SPEP™ Activity Map
SPEP™ Learning Lab
SPEP Benchcard
SPEP™ Contacts