Digital Commons Network^™

Nebraska Department Of Correctional Services Classification And Crowding Project Technical Report, Zachary Hamilton, Alex Kigerl, Baylee Allen-Flores, Addison Kobie, John Ursino, Amber Krushas, Brian Gildea, Ryan E. Spohn

Reports

In response to recent reports and noted issues of prison crowding, NDCS (Nebraska Department of Correctional Services) contracted with NCJR (Nebraska Center for Justice Research) to investigate the impacts of crowding. Going beyond the CSG, CJI, and Master Plan reports (Council of State Governments, 2015; Criminal Justice Institute, 2022; Dewberry, 2023; JFA, 2020), NDCS requested NCJR identify which facilities and populations are impacted greatest via crowding. Further, findings provide areas of recommended changes needed to ease growth and help maintain safety and functionality of NDCS institutions. As part of Phase I, we completed a process evaluation, which included a review …

Irish Farm Crime Survey, Nicola Hughes Dr, Matt Bowden

Reports

No abstract provided.

Victimization Prior To Jail: The Effect Of Physical And/Or Sexual Victimization On Mental Health And Substance Use Disorder In A Population Of Jailed Inmates, Melissa A. Kowalski, Michael Campagna, Emily Wright, Ryan E. Spohn

Reports

Previous research shows a link between abuse histories and negative outcomes, including a relationship between abuse victimization and mental illness and/or substance use disorder and between such victimization and criminal behavior. The relationship between abuse and offending or reoffending is likely indirect, working by way of mental illness and/or substance use disorder. However, the effects of these abuse experiences prior to incarceration as well as the impact of abuse perpetrator type and abuse timing on mental health and substance use outcomes have been underexplored in jail populations. The current analysis addresses this gap. From February 21st, 2017 to September 12th, …

Victimization Prior To Jail: The Effect Of Physical And/Or Sexual Victimization On Mental Health And Substance Use Disorder In A Population Of Jailed Inmates: Research Brief, Nebraska Center For Justice Research, University Of Nebraska At Omaha, M. Kowalski, Michael Campagna, Emily Wright, Ryan E. Spohn

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The relationship between abuse and offending is likely indirect, by way of mental illness and/or substance use disorder. However, the effects of abuse experiences prior to incarceration, as well as the impact of abuse perpetrator type and abuse timing on mental health and substance use outcomes, are underexplored in jail populations. The current analysis addresses this gap. In 2017, an assessment with 79 questions was administered to 4,713 individuals admitted to a large, Midwestern jail. The majority of the population (72.3%) reported no history of abuse, but 17.5% indicated a history of physical abuse, 3.2% a history of sexual abuse, …

Greater New Haven Community Wellbeing Index 2023, Mark Abraham, Camille Seaberry, Kelly Davila, Andrew Carr

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No abstract provided.

Evidence-Based Inventory Of Criminal Justice Programs In Nebraska, Katelynn Towne, Christopher Campbell, Monica Miles-Steffens, Brian Gildea, John Ursino, Ryan E. Spohn, Zachary Hamilton, Michael Campagna, Addison Kobie, Taylor L. Claxton, Laura Dueland, Tara Grell

Reports

This report is the product of collaborative efforts from the Nebraska Center for Justice Research, the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the Criminology and Criminal Justice department at Portland State University. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the importance of using evidence-based practices and programs, examine the quantity and needs addressed by adult criminal justice programs, and provide a snapshot of operating evidence-based programs throughout Nebraska. This report provides findings related to the discovery of programs and a review of branded programs operating in Nebraska. Product 1 – Inventory …

Drug Overdose Prevention 2023: Equity-Focused Risk Mitigation Resources For Opioid/Stimulant Use Disorder, Eileen Boswell, Lizeth Fraire, Allison Hoden, Aaron Banman

Reports

The purpose of this document is to summarize and synthesize risk mitigation resources related to the opioid crisis in terms of their potential application in Nebraska, with an emphasis on health equity initiatives in the geographic region including Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota. Exemplary resources from select other states are included and annotated, as well. Our research team sought equity-focused, evidence-based models in use regionally, as well as ancillary resources to inform Nebraska’s drug overdose prevention efforts for opioid use disorder and/or stimulant use disorder.

Assessing The Construct Validity Of The Mpact-6: Research Brief, Nebraska Center For Justice Research, University Of Nebraska At Omaha, Amber Krushas, Zachary Hamilton, X. Mei

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As needs assessments are comprised of subscales that include non-observable, latent constructs, the comprehensive assessment of these items and scales is essential. Specifically, to ensure these tools are measuring offender needs as intended, their construct validity must be confirmed. The current project used a multi-level, multi-group analysis of the MPACT with a large, 10-state sample of youth. Building on previous work (see Mei et al., 2022), authors confirmed the dimensionality and reliability of the six MPACT needs domains. Beyond this, the reliability and validity of the ‘Global Needs Factor’ was also confirmed. Here, the ‘Global Needs Factor’ or ‘G-Factor’ represents …

The Free College Handbook: A Practitioner’S Guide To Promise Research, Michelle Miller-Adams Co-Editor, Jennifer Iriti Co-Editor, Meredith S. Billings, Celeste K. Carruthers, Gresham D. Collum, Denisa Gándara, Douglas N. Harris, Brad J. Hershbein, Amy Li, Danielle Lowry, Lindsay C. Page, Bridget F. Timmeney

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No abstract provided.

Bridging Research And Practice To Achieve Community Prosperity, Kathleen Bolter, Michelle Miller-Adams, Timothy J. Bartik, Brad J. Hershbein, Kyle Huisman, Bridget F. Timmeney, Brian J. Asquith, Gabrielle Pepin, Lee Adams, Jessica Brown, Gerrit Anderson, Allison Colosky

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No abstract provided.

The University Of Nebraska Does Not Discriminate Based On Race, Color, Ethnicity, National Origin, Sex, Pregnancy, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, Disability, Age, Genetic Information, Veteran Status, Marital Status, And/Or Political Affiliation In Its Education Programs Or Activities, Including Admissions And Employment. The University Prohibits Any Form Of Retaliation Taken Against Anyone For Reporting Discrimination, Harassment, Or Retaliation For Otherwise Engaging In Protected Activity. Understanding Volunteerism In Vocational And Life Skills Programming, Nebraska Center For Justice Research, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Reports

The purpose of this research is to understand who volunteers for Vocational & Life Skills (VLS) reentry programming in institutional and community correctional settings. We had three primary goals for this research note: 1) describe key differences between participants versus non-participants, 2) describe how VLS participants in facilities differ from participants in community VLS programs, and 3) describe key findings from our statistical models predicting who volunteers to participate in VLS programs. VLS is a statewide reentry program that provides competitive grant funding to multiple community resource organizations and is administered by the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS). VLS …

Annual Report 2020-2022: Evidence-Based Nebraska Pre-And-Post Assessment Tool, Julie D. Garman, Anne M. Hobbs, Erin Wasserburger, Karina Blair, Juvenile Justice Institute, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Reports

This annual report is an evaluation of the effectiveness of Mental Health, Mentoring, Promotion/Prevention, School-based Interventions, and Afterschool programs funded by Community-based Aid (CBA). The program type analysis includes referrals to programs from July 1, 2020 – February 28, 2022, reported by programs to the Juvenile Case Management System (JCMS). This evaluation also includes data collected with the EB-NE Pre-and-post Assessment Tool co-created with Dr. Karina Blair at Boys Town Research Hospital.

Managing Arpa State And Local Recovery Funds In The New England States : Year One, Melissa Prosky

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No abstract provided.

Innovations In Supervision Reducing Violence And Recidivism Through Vrp Aftercare And Cbi Open Groups, Jennifer Miller, Ryan E. Spohn, Michael Campagna

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Nebraska Division of Parole Supervision has created a violence-reduction (VRP) aftercare program and a CBI intervention which maintains an open group structure to effectively reduce the recidivism rate of high-risk parole clients, particularly those who have been identified as likely to reoffend violently and those who have previously failed on community supervision. Long-term goals are to ensure 1) the highest risk parole clients receive a higher dosage of evidence-based interventions, 2) the reduced use of parole sanctions and revocations and 3) a reduced overall recidivism rate for parole clients. The ‘open’ nature of the programs (i.e., clients can begin at …

Family Support Evaluation Fy 2017-2021, Julie D. Garman, Anne M. Hobbs, Erin Wasserburger, Juvenile Justice Institute, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Reports

Evidence-Based Nebraska.

Family Support programs are prevention-focused efforts that seek to improve upon family function and communication through referrals and interactions with youth and families in Nebraska. Youth and families are referred for various reasons and community-based programs respond to these youth and family needs in a variety of ways, depending upon their individual needs and involve organizations throughout the community as needed. Through interviews with Family Support staff and directors, we learned that programs take different approaches to providing services to youth and families that are individualized to address emergent issues. Youth and families are commonly referred to the …

What Is Working To Reduce Violent Crime? Evidence-Based Solutions, Elizabeth Winchester, Timothy T. Reling, Kristina Little, Leanna Cupit, Melanie Fields, Judith F. Rhodes

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The purpose of this review is to examine and evaluate current approaches to reducing violent crime. The review reports on supportive techniques, strategies, programs, and practices that are evidence-informed to combat criminal activity, delinquency, and community disorder. Ineffective techniques, strategies, and programs are also included. The review provides potential strategies and programs that require additional empirical research to show whether they work. This review includes the integration of education, employment, social services, and public health services into efforts to reduce crime and ease the burden on law enforcement and justice systems. Recommendations for reducing violent crime are included.

Annual Report 2022, Nebraska Center For Justice Research, University Of Nebraska At Omaha, Ryan E. Spohn

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Mission Statement The Nebraska Center for Justice Research’s (NCJR) mission is “to develop and sustain research capacity internal to the State of Nebraska, assist the Legislature in research, evaluation, and policymaking to reduce recidivism, promote the use of evidence-based practices in corrections, and improve public safety.” Our research focus is to use data, research, and evaluation to reduce recidivism, promote the use of evidence-based practices, and improve public safety in Nebraska with an emphasis on reducing prison overcrowding

Drug Overdose Prevention 2021: Lived Experiences Study, Daniel Kreuzberg, Liam Heerten-Rodriguez, Jeanette Harder

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STEPs wishes to acknowledge and thank the following:

•The interview participants who were so generous in sharing their time, experiences, and perspectives,

•The many substance abuse treatment providers, treatment centers, the Grace Abbott School of Social Work, and the many other individuals who shared recruitment messaging, and

•NE DHHS DOP for their continued partnership and dedication to this vital work.

Perceptions Of Youth Of Juvenile Diversion, Lindsey Wylie, Erin Wasserburger, Anne M. Hobbs, Juvenile Justice Institute, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

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Evidence-Based Practices Brief #6

The juvenile justice system was established under the belief that children who misbehave should be rehabilitated, but not subject to adult punishment. During the 1980s and 1990s, attitudes toward juveniles became more punitive and practices moved toward formally processing youth into the system;1 however, research demonstrates that youth who are formally processed may have worse outcomes than youth who are not formally processed.2 Juvenile diversion is one approach offered to reduce potential unintended consequences of juvenile court.3 The concept of diversion is based on Labeling Theory, which asserts that processing low-level youth through the system may …

Technical Assistance Provision For Corrections: Improving The Use Of Actuarial Assessment In Case Management And Reentry, Michael Campagna, Debra O'Connell, Nebraska Center For Justice Research, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Reports

The current project assisted the Nebraska Department of Correctional Service (NDCS) to develop the use of the Static Risk and Offender Needs Guide-Revised (STRONG-R) in case management and reentry services.

The N-Sat: The Nebraska Screening And Assessment Tool, Nebraska Center For Justice Research, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Reports

The N-SAT is intended to standardize assessment of youth referred to diversion in Nebraska. It determines risk level of further involvement (1-year) in the justice system (i.e., delinquency/ criminality). It was not purchased “off the shelf”, rather was developed by the Nebraska Crime Commission (NCC). It is free for Nebraska agencies to use, provides domain scores for referral and treatment purposes, and is more accurate than other tools used in Nebraska.

Drug Overdose Prevention Linkages Of Care 2021: Exploring Ways Individuals Are Mandated To Substance Abuse Treatment In Nebraska, Samantha Kaase, Jessica Groeneweg Licsw, Jeanette Harder Phd

Reports

The purpose of this project was to gain a deeper understanding on how individuals become mandated to participate substance abuse treatment, who mandates the treatment, and what type of treatment individuals are mandated to attend in the state of Nebraska. This was done by reviewing professional literature on how individuals access substance abuse treatment and criminal justice systems. This was also done by identifying secondary data sources related to substance abuse treatment and conducting informal interviews on mandated substance abuse treatment in Nebraska.

School Interventionists Fy 2015-2020, Lindsey Wylie, Erin Wasserburger, Anne M. Hobbs, Juvenile Justice Institute, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Reports

School Interventionists identify and coordinate behavioral or academic intervention for a student. Youth can be referred to the School Interventionist for attendance issues, poor grades, lack of engagement, and/or behavior issues. The intervention process includes clearly identifying the problem, selecting a strategy to address the problem, and measuring the effectiveness of the strategy. The intervention can include other supports for the youth within the school or community. In interviewing School Interventionists, they are often responsible for addressing a range of school and home issues, and often use a range of activities to do so. These activities fall within three identified …

Crisis Response Programs Fy 2015-2020, Lindsey Wylie, Anne M. Hobbs, Juvenile Justice Institute, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Reports

There are a significant proportion of youth with mental and behavioral health issues, often undiagnosed or untreated, that may contribute to problems at school, home, and within the community. Families and others may not know how to best handle the crisis and often turn to law enforcement or emergency departments to assist; however, this can lead to unintended negative outcomes for youth. To best address crises, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that communities should have a well-developed continuum of crisis services. Crisis services are “no-wrong-door” safety net services that are available for “anyone, anywhere and …

Debts, Threats, Distress And Hope:Towards Understanding Drug-Related Intimidation In Dublin's North East Inner City, Sarahjane Mccreery, Matt Bowden, Marcus Keane

Reports

The report used a mix methods research strategy, including a survey of residents and those who work in the North East Inner City area of Dublin, to explore the nature and extent of drug related intimidation (DRI).

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Community-Based Juvenile Service Aid Programs, Erin Wasserburger, Anne M. Hobbs, Julie D. Garman

Reports

The Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Division (CBA) is a program funded by the Nebraska legislature and housed within the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (NCC). The guiding statute requires that funds be used for programs and services that divert youth from the juvenile justice system. The overarching aim is to effectively intervene with youth while they are in the community, and thereby reduce youth going to court or being placed in juvenile detention. To assess the efficacy of the interventions, the legislature allocated 10% of the fund for the development of a common data set and an …

Annual Report 2021, Nebraska Center For Justice Research

Reports

The Nebraska Center for Justice Research (NCJR) was established in 2014 with a mission to develop and sustain criminal justice research capacity internal to the State of Nebraska. Our goal is to assist the Legislature, justice agencies, practitioners, foundations, and stakeholders with research and evaluation to reduce recidivism, promote the use of evidence-based practices, and improve public safety. This annual report summarizes the activities and financial status of NCJR in its second year.

Vocational And Life Skills Monthly Data Update: December 2020, Uno Nebraska Center For Justice Research, Katelynn Towne

Reports

Grantees use an online data management system to submit data on participants served under their Vocational and Life Skills programming. This data is due monthly and reflects all services provided during the previous month to participants. Evaluators at the Nebraska Center for Justice Research work with grantees directly to manage data entry errors on an ongoing basis during update calls and site visits.

The current data derives from an active database, from which data is being entered and updated daily. Data values, including previously submitted information, may fluctuate depending on the duration of lag between service delivery and data entry. …

Vocational And Life Skills Quarterly Report: Grant Cycle 4 Quarter 2 October-December 2020, Uno Nebraska Center For Justice Research, Katelynn Towne, Michael Campagna

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This report presents quarterly data and evaluation updates for the Vocational and Life Skills Program (VLS) through Quarter Two of Grant Cycle Four. VLS was created by Nebraska Legislative Bill 907 in 2014 with the purpose of reducing recidivism and increasing meaningful employment for individuals convicted of a crime in Nebraska. The report contains 1) descriptions of the eight funded organizations across the state, 2) a snapshot of participation, 3) demographics of the participants, and 4) participation breakdowns and descriptions of the skills participants are gaining through VLS programming.

The VLS initiative is evaluated by the Nebraska Center for Justice …

Vocational And Life Skills Monthly Data Update: November 2020, Uno Nebraska Center For Justice Research, Katelynn Towne

Reports

Grantees use an online data management system to submit data on participants served under their Vocational and Life Skills programming. This data is due monthly and reflects all services provided during the previous month to participants. Evaluators at the Nebraska Center for Justice Research work with grantees directly to manage data entry errors on an ongoing basis during update calls and site visits.

The current data derives from an active database, from which data is being entered and updated daily. Data values, including previously submitted information, may fluctuate depending on the duration of lag between service delivery and data entry. …