E-Learning Description:

The model includes training on five areas of evidence-based practices: risk, needs, responsivity; engagement and motivation; case planning; problem solving; and desistance. Each module contains three levels of content – basic, intermediate, and advanced – to accommodate learners with varied levels of starting competency. Basic modules provide an introduction to concepts and definitions of key terms. Intermediate modules focus on integrating concepts into practice through a number of examples and case vignettes. These modules operationalize concepts into tangible skills for officers to adopt into practice. In the advanced modules, officers have the opportunity to practice using skills in case vignettes.

A core feature of the SUSTAIN model is the development of internal coaches to build officers’ use of skills in practice post training. Research indicates that post-training refreshers and/or coaching is an effective means of sustaining use of skills over time and preventing decay of training concepts (Miller & Mount, 2001; Miller et al., 2004; Sholomskas et al., 2005). In the SUSTAIN model, supervisors within the organization are trained to observe, assess, and engage officers in the experiential learning cycle to improve officers’ use of skills.