Aligning Case Plans with What Works: Meeting APPA Standards with Crossroads

When it comes to helping individuals change behavior and build more positive futures, effective case planning is essential. It’s not just a compliance tool—it’s a strategy for guiding meaningful progress. The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) provides clear guidance on what makes case plans effective, with a focus on individualized, evidence-based approaches that address the factors most likely to impact long-term outcomes.

At NCTI, we’ve designed the Crossroads® curriculum to align with these principles and support agencies in meeting national standards—without adding more administrative burden or complexity.

Standard 6.1: Individualized Case Plans Based on Assessment

“Case plans should be individualized and based on assessment results, focusing on criminogenic needs.”

This standard reminds us that case planning is more than just about assigning programs, it’s about building a tailored response to each person’s unique risk factors, needs, and goals. Crossroads supports this by offering a wide range of targeted curricula that address common criminogenic needs, including:

Antisocial thinking and decision-making (e.g., Cognitive Life Skills)
Impulse control and emotional regulation (e.g., Anger Management)
Substance use (e.g., Drugs & Alcohol, DUI)
Family conflict and parenting (e.g., Parenting)
Peer influence and delinquent behavior (e.g., Gang Involvement, Truancy)

Crossroads programs can be easily matched to the results of validated risk and needs assessments, making them a practical and effective tool for individualized case planning.

Standard 8.1: Implementing Evidence-Based Interventions

“Agencies should implement interventions that are evidence-based and address criminogenic needs.”

Crossroads is grounded in evidence-based practices like structured skill-building, behavior modeling, guided group dialogue, and participant accountability. Each program includes:

Facilitator-led sessions with interactive learning and real-life application
Clear learning objectives that support measurable behavior change
Built-in reflection and goal-setting to promote long-term impact

Importantly, Crossroads is listed in the APPA standards as an approved program that meets the criteria for addressing criminogenic needs using evidence-based strategies. (Page 101).

Crossroads as a Case Planning Tool

Agencies use Crossroads as part of their framework to address specific criminogenic needs identified from a risk assessment, satisfy court referrals for treatment, and provide an option for a graduated sanction. Here’s how:

Assessment-Driven: Match curriculum to identified criminogenic needs.
Structured and Scalable: Choose from over 20 programs across youth and adult populations.
Flexible: Programs are delivered in group settings, allowing for dynamic discussion and peer learning.
Aligned with Standards: Supports both Standard 6.1 and 8.1 through individualized intervention and evidence-based design.

In Practice

For example, if an assessment identifies a moderate risk individual with issues related to impulsivity and criminal thinking, the case plan might include goals around decision-making and emotional control. The facilitator could select Cognitive Life Skills and Anger Management to support these goals, track progress through session engagement, and reinforce learning through follow-up discussions or journaling.

The approach isn’t one-size-fits-all, but rather, a strategy that respects each individual’s path while supporting staff in delivering consistent, standard-aligned services.

Curious how Crossroads can strengthen your case planning process? Our Account Manager would be glad to help you align curriculum to assessment domains, share how others are using it, or answer any questions. Choose a time directly from her calendar:

Visit this link.
Select ‘Crossroads Informational Meeting.’
Select the time that works best for you.