Public Policy Commons^™

Fusion Project Evaluation (2006-2009), Teri Perkins, Nancy Shank

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

The Fusion Project, funded through a grant from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), was a three year project in Lincoln, Nebraska targeting four refugee ethnic communities: African; Asian; Eastern European; and Middle Eastern. The project’s goals were for:

• the refugee communities to work together to share and learn about developing vibrant ethnic communities;

• each refugee family to achieve self-sufficiency and social and civic integration into their new country and community; and

• Lincoln’s mainstream community to be better equipped to work with refugees.

The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center served …

Evaluation Of A Deliberative Process To Obtain Citizen Input For The Draft Strategic National Vaccine Plan

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

The Deliberative Process to Obtain Public Input for the Draft Strategic National Vaccine Plan occurred in March and April 2009. Public meetings were held in three locations – St. Louis Missouri, Columbus Ohio, and Syracuse New York. Each meeting followed a similar format: 1) A morning presentation of essential information about the U.S. vaccine system, followed by a question and answer session with the participants, 2) introduction of participants to values underlying the U.S. vaccine system with an opportunity to discuss and define the most and least important values, 3) presentation of background information on 12 areas of activity in …

Immigration Controversies In Nebraska: Policies, Politics, And Public Perspectives, Alan J. Tomkins, Tarik Abdel-Monem, Angel Rivera-Colon

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Immigration reform has been a part of the United States policy discussions since the 18^th century. As early as 1790, Congress was developing laws to allow immigrants to become United States citizens. By 1891, due to the amount of immigrants flowing into the country, the federal government assumed responsibility for immigration control and the Immigration Service was established. Over the past century, policies regulating immigration have transformed reflecting public concern over changing migrant flows into the country. During World War I, immigration levels were relatively low, but when the mass flow resumed post World War I, Congress enacted the …

Health Information Exchange: A Frontier Model, Nancy C. Shank, Kim Woods, Steve Lazarus, Elizabeth H. Willborn

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

This project laid the groundwork for the formation of a health information exchange within an established network of critical access hospitals, clinics, public health providers, and behavioral health providers across the rural, remote Nebraska Panhandle. The three goals were: (1) to develop an operational entity and incorporate a regional health information organization to support the development of a health information exchange; (2) to provide standardized training and user capacity development programs throughout the Panhandle; and (3) to implement electronic health records in critical access hospitals and rural health clinics through a shared process. The evaluation explored both the extent to …

Disaster Mental Health, Denise Bulling, Tarik Abdel-Monem

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

People have always given aid and comfort to each other during times of disaster. However, attempts to structure and professionalize this assistance are fairly recent developments. Disaster mental health, as an evolving field of practice and study, is a collection of interventions and practices that are designed to address incident-specific stress reactions, rather than ongoing or developmental mental health needs. Traditional mental health practice is based on a medical model, with a clinician seeing a patient in an office setting. Disaster mental health introduces a paradigm shift, requiring that practitioners (clinicians and indigenous helpers) work with individuals and whole communities …

Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan Civic Engagement Meetings For Public Scoping Final Report

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

In mid 2009, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) requested the independent and impartial assistance of the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution (U.S. Institute) in planning, designing, and implementing efforts to build collaborative opportunities with public stakeholders into the development of the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan (MRERP).  To meet this request, the U.S. Institute developed and implemented the Civic Engagement Program (CE).  The CE program consisted of a series of public meetings throughout the basin, intended to educate public stakeholders on the MRERP, to gather input on key elements of …

Sharing Health Records Electronically: The Views Of Nebraskans, Tarik Abdel-Monem, Mitchel Herian

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

In November of 2008, the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center implemented a public input project to gather information from Nebraskans about electronic sharing of medical information. One hundred and sixty eight Nebraskans completed an online or paper copy survey, and 34 of those survey respondents also participated in a deliberative discussion.

Comfortable with Sharing Medical Information Electronically
• Nebraskans have positive views about electronic sharing of medical information.
• Nebraskans understand the benefits of electronic health information exchange.
• Nebraskans have concerns about who should have the authority to access their electronic health information.

Experienced with Information Technology and …

Representative Juries: Examining The Initial And Eligible Pools Of Jurors

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

State law provides that master jury lists are comprised by combining the lists of registered voters and registered drivers in the state of Nebraska. There have been anecdotal concerns that because minorities may be less likely to be registered to vote and less likely to be registered to drive, the current source lists may not effectively achieve a representative master list. The findings of this examination support this assertion. Based on an examination of juror qualification forms from 8 of Nebraska’s most diverse counties, data indicate that there are significant racial disparities in the initial and eligible pools of jurors. …

Nebraska Community Learning Center Network: Expanded Learning Opportunity Fund Mapping Project, Mitchel Herian, Nancy Shank

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Table of Contents:

Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
A Note on Terminology and Population
Fund Mapping Challenges
Approach and Presentation
Fund Mapping Results
Current Funding
Survey of Nebraska Funding Sources
Summary of Federal Funding Programs
Early Childhood Care
Survey of Nebraska Afterschool Programs
Federal Funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers
Nebraska Crime Commission
Parental Involvement
Potential Funding
Summary of Federal Programs
Discussion of 2008 Survey of Funding Sources
Future Directions and Conclusion

Appendices

Appendix A - Summer 2008 Survey of Organizations that Fund Expanded Learning Opportunities
Appendix B - Potential Federal Programs for Expanded Learning Opportunities
Appendix C - …

Show Me The Money!, Mitchel Herian, Nancy C. Shank

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Table of Contents:
What Are Expanded Learning Opportunities?
Identifying resources available to support expanded learning opportunity programs in Nebraska
Some Key Findings of the Fund Mapping Project

Lancaster County Public Defender Workload Assessment July 2008, Elizabeth Neeley

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Executive Summary

Workload
The Lancaster County Public Defender's Office was short approximately 3.48 attorneys in 2007.

• The greatest deficit is in the felony division (1.93 PTE), followed by the misdemeanor division (.90). The juvenile division is short approximately one half an attorney (.53 PTE), and the civil division is short .12 PTE.

This deficit can be addressed by:
• Adequately staffing the office;
OR
• Giving the office less work by:
• Establishing Caseload Standards. Cases surpassing the recommended caseload standards should be appointed to privately assigned counsel.

• Reassessing crimes which receive jail time (rethinking the crimes for …

Behavioral Science Guidelines For Assessing Insider Threats, Denise Bulling, Mario Scalora, Randy Borum, Jill Panuzio, Andrew Donica

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

This brochure presents a framework to view threats made by an insider that are targeted or intentional (as opposed to negligent or unintentional) and that involve some degree of deliberation (as opposed to those that may be considered impulsive). The framework was developed with the assumption that it must:
Be applicable for both anonymous and known subjects
Recognize interactions and patterns of behavior
Allow for investigation with whatever information is immediately available
Recognize that behaviors or warning activity may shift, decrease, or be emboldened by protective or organizational actions

Insider attacks are often handled internal to an organization and are …

Human Services Data Standards: Current Progress And Future Vision In Crisis Response, Nancy C. Shank, Brian Sokol, Michelle L. Hayes, Christina Vetrano

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Interorganizational coordination is crucial among human services providers responsible for responding to both personal and widespread crises. Too often, however, agencies providing disaster relief, shelter, and connection to other social service systems operate in information silos. Moreover, organizations that assist the same people may be duplicating services or ineffectively providing services to those in need. In the past, there has been no easy way for human service organizations to share information about clients, resources, and services. Over the last decade, distinct initiatives have begun to standardize data collection, storage, and transmission standards within human service domains. This paper describes several …

Electronic Medical Records In Nebraska Security, Privacy, And Health Care Quality

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

This is a background document to prepare you for the November 17^th discussion about electronic health records. This discussion guide is intended to serve as a jumping-off point for our upcoming conversation. The discussion is not a test of facts, but rather a chance to offer your perspectives on the issues with other Lincoln residents.

Priority Lincoln: We’Re Listening A Community Conversation On The City Budget

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

This is a background document to prepare you for the Priority Lincoln: We’re Listening discussion on the Lincoln City Budget on April 12. This discussion guide is intended to serve as a jumping-off point for our upcoming conversation. The discussion is not a test of facts, but rather a chance to offer your perspectives on the issues with other Lincoln residents.

A Balance Of Power: Project Will Spread Information On Alternative Energy Sources, Antona Beckman

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Renewable energy.

The phrase sounds good, but many Nebraskans may not know much about what it means. People may have seen those two wind turbines north of Lincoln, but what do they do, and whom do they serve? And what other alternative energy sources are available? Would it be possible and efficient to use solar power? And what exactly are the benefits of ethanol?

In an effort to inform Nebraskans about such alternative energy options, the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, along with the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center, received a grant of $12,000 to help Nebraskans learn …

Nebraska’S Drug Courts Evaluation, Mark Dekraai

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

The Nebraska Public Policy Center conducted an evaluation of Nebraska’s Problem-Solving Courts for the Administrative Office of the Courts. The evaluation was conducted from March – September of 2007 and covered eight probation problem-solving courts in Nebraska, including three adult drug courts (Midwest Nebraska, Northeast Nebraska, Sarpy County), four juvenile drug courts (Scottsbluff, Lancaster County, Douglas County, Sarpy County) and one young adult problem-solving court (Douglas County). The goal of the Nebraska’s Problem-solving (Drug) Court evaluation was to understand how well drug courts work, examine offender characteristics, examine current practices and procedures, and determine outcomes for offenders entering problem-solving courts.

A Case Study In Data Sharing: 211 Helplink And The Airs Xsd, Ian Cottingham, Ben Kutsch, Nancy C. Shank

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

The Coordinated Assistance Network (CAN) helps communities prepare for and respond to disasters. The ability to exchange up‐to‐date information about resources and clients is central to effective response. To facilitate the exchange of resource data, CAN has been working with information & referral organizations, namely 2‐1‐1s, to ensure that their existing data about community services may be easily and quickly shared with CAN in the event of disaster. CAN has been working with 211 Helplink (San Francisco, California) to develop an exchange using the data standard developed by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems, AIRS XSD 2.07. The data …

Energy And The Future

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Debate over energy policy in the United States has reached its pinnacle in recent years. Among the key issues that have pushed energy into the spotlight is concern over foreign oil dependence, competition for scarce resources from growing economies, and a mounting scientific and popular consensus that global climate change is a serious challenge of irreversible proportion.

The planet’s population is increasing, living longer, and in fast developing economies like China and India—getting wealthier—a combination of forces leading to both greater consumption of energy and increased production of greenhouse gases. Finding clean, alternative energy sources has thus become a critical …

Evaluation Of Nebraska’S Probation Problem Solving Courts

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Eight Nebraska problem solving courts were examined for this evaluation: three adult drug courts, four juvenile drug courts, and one young adult problem solving court. The key questions intended to be addressed through this evaluation included the following:

1. To what extent do problem-solving courts serve appropriate persons, specifically in relation to risk classification?

2. How do the demographic characteristics of participants compare to the general population and other offenders?

3. To what extent do policies and procedures adhere to the proposed problem solving court rules

4. How do policies and procedures compare across courts?

5. What are possible areas …

Priority Lincoln: Budgeting For Outcomes

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

As a centerpiece to its 2008-09 budget determination process, the City of Lincoln invited the community to provide input about how the City should prioritize budget items. Several thousand residents provided input over a period of approximately 90 days, starting in February 2008 and ending in May 2008. This Report presents the results from the City’s public participation process.

Using Research And Engagement To Inform Policy Making, Alan J. Tomkins

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center specializes in policy-relevant research and engagement activities in five areas: 1. Access to Government Services
2. Application of Information Technology to Health
& Human Services Delivery Systems
3. Behavioral Health and Human Services
4. Public Participation in Policy Making
5. Water Resources

Evaluation Of The Public Engagement Project On Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Prioritization Phase I: Evaluation Of Public And Stakeholder Input

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

This report presents the results of an evaluation of the Public Engagement Project on Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Prioritization, an effort to engage citizens and stakeholders in discussions about methods to prioritize vaccine distribution in the event of an influenza pandemic. Meetings with citizens occurred January 2007 in Las Cruces, New Mexico and Nassau County, New York; and during November 2007 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Hendersonville, North Carolina. Citizens were provided information about pandemic influenza and deliberated about the issues and challenges of vaccination priorities. Stakeholders met in Washington, D.C. after the first two citizen meetings and again after the second …

The Nebraska Minority Justice Committee Progress Report 2008

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

The Nebraska Minority Justice Committee (MJC) is a unique statewide collaboration that works to develop and implement just and sustainable policy reforms that will not only improve the system of justice but will also strengthen public trust and confidence in our laws and court system. The Committee is a joint effort of the Nebraska State Bar Association and the Nebraska Supreme Court, appointed by the Supreme Court in May of 2003 in response to a Task Force's two-year investigation into whether racial and ethnic bias and discrimination exists in Nebraska's justice system.

The mission of the Committee is to achieve …

Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program Biennial Report Fiscal Years 2006-2007

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Table of Contents:

History of the GAP
Mission, Goals and Principles of the GAP
Service Components of the GAP
Work Force Development
Certification
Contract Management
Helpline
Voucher Program
Treatment
Increasing Demand
Monitoring Outcomes
Expenditures
Funding
Administration
The GAP’s Historical Administrative and Legislative Landmarks
Strategic Planning
Expansion of the GAP
Accomplishments
Program Evaluation
Focus Groups and Interviews
Helpline Data
Consumer Survey
Magellan Data Analysis
Cost Analysis Clinical Treatment
Magellan System and NOMs
APPENDIX A DHHS Administrative Contact Personnel
APPENDIX B State Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling
APPENDIX C Organizations Involved In Problem Gambling
APPENDIX D List of Providers - Prevention
APPENDIX …

Priority Lincoln: Budgeting For Outcomes

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

As a centerpiece to its 2008-09 budget determination process, the City of Lincoln invited the community to provide input about how the City should prioritize budget items. Several thousand residents provided input over a period of approximately 90 days, starting in February 2008 and ending in May 2008. This Report presents the results from the City’s public participation process.

The Dialogue, Summer 2007

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

CONTENTS:
Ask the Field
Profile of the Center for Disaster and Extreme Event Preparedness
Program Design Elements of Successful Crisis Counseling and Outreach Programs Following a Disaster
A Model for Entry into Schools: A Practice Module Which Demonstrated Success
Remote Management of Crisis Counseling Program Teams in Colorado
Learning from the Past: Historical Disasters—Perspectives for the Field
Recommended Reading
Conference Highlights
Upcoming Meetings

Lr 42 Services Coordination Study

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

In 2003, Senator Byars was approached by a group of developmental disability providers and advocates to review the role and function of service coordinators for the developmentally disabled. A task force of clients, advocates, providers, and Health and Human Services agency personal were assembled to review the quality and effectiveness of services coordination. Topics of consideration were training and staff development, quality review mechanisms, and the ability of the service coordinator to work effectively on behalf of the client.

By The People: Dialogues In Democracy Immigration And Nebraska

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

On Sunday, October 14th, 2007, 100 residents of the City of Omaha gathered at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) campus to engage in a By The People: Dialogues in Democracy deliberation. The By The People project is a national-local partnership intended to foster civic dialogue about important public policy issues facing the nation. MacNeil/Lehrer Productions has led the initiative on the national level since 2002. In Nebraska, a collaborative partnership between NET Television and the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center has convened By The People deliberations since 2004.

Besides Omaha, ten other communities across the nation participated …

The Public Engagement Project On Community Control Measures For Pandemic Influenza Findings And Recommendations From Citizen And Stakeholder Deliberation Days

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

The Public Engagement Project On Community Control Measures for Pandemic Influenza was carried out in October and November 2006 to engage the public in discussions and deliberations about the economic and social tradeoffs associated with community control measures to slow the spread of the disease. The project was sponsored by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and The Keystone Center, serving as a third party neutral facilitator. Fourteen other organizations participated, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To conduct this public engagement, the sponsors made use made use of the Policy Analysis CollaborativE (PACE), …