EVIDENCE BASED DECISION MAKING IN JUVENILE JUSTICE...

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F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , p l e a s e v i s i t h t t p : / / c j j r . g e o r g e t o w n . e d u o r c o n t a c t t h e C e n t e r f o r J u v e n i l e J u s t i c e R e f o r m a t j j r e f o r m @ g e o r g e t o w n . e d u .

2017ApplicationPacket

EVIDENCE-BASEDDECISION-MAKING

INJUVENILEJUSTICE

CERTIFICATEPROGRAM

Evidence-BasedDecision-MakingCertificateProgram2017ApplicationPacket

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TableofContents

I.Introduction ............................................................................................. 3

II.DateandLocationoftheProgram .................................................................. 4

III.PhaseI:CertificateProgram ......................................................................... 4

IV.PhaseII:CapstoneProject ........................................................................... 8

V.PhaseIII:ImplementationTA ....................................................................... 10

VI.TuitionandSubsidies ............................................................................... 10

VII.SelectionCriteria ................................................................................... 10

VIII.FellowsNetworkandOtherBenefitsoftheProgram ......................................... 11

IX.ApplicationGuidelines .............................................................................. 12

X.Application ............................................................................................. 13

XI.AboutthePartners .................................................................................. 15


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I.IntroductionOverthepastseveraldecades,therehasbeenagrowingbodyofresearchevidenceonwhatworkstoreducerecidivismandothernegativeoutcomesforyouthinthejusticesystem.Equallyimportanthasbeenthefurtherdevelopmentofstructureddecision-makingtoolsthatallowjuvenilejusticepractitionerstousetheextensivebodyofrelevantresearchtoimprovetheefficiencyandoutcomesofjuvenilejusticesystems.Thesetoolsinclude:

• Riskandneedsassessmentinstrumentsthatcanguidedecisionsaboutthelevelofsupervisionproportionatetoyouthriskforcontinueddelinquencyandthecriminogenicneedsmostappropriateforinterventionprogramstoaddress;

• TheStandardizedProgramEvaluationProtocol(SPEPTM),whichcanbeusedtoassesstheexpectedeffectivenessofthoseprogramsforreducingrecidivism;and

• Dispositionmatricestailoredtoeachjuvenilejusticesystemanddesignedtoidentifythelevelofsupervisionandtypesofserviceslikelytoreducetherecidivismofyouthmanagedinthatsystem.

In recent years, two separate demonstration programs—the Juvenile Justice System ImprovementProject (JJSIP) and the Juvenile Justice Reform and Reinvestment Initiative (JJRRI)—have focused onhelping states and local jurisdictions use these tools to develop and implement a comprehensive,evidence-based, decision-making platform to improve youth outcomes, protect public safety, andreducesystemcosts.Asdepicted in thediagrambelow, thisplatformaims toensure thateachyouthwho enters the juvenile justice system is screened using a validated risk and needs assessment tool,matched to the appropriate level of supervisionbasedonhis/her risk to re-offend, linked to servicesbased on the criminogenic needs identified during his/her assessment, and provided with programoptionsthatareeffectiveinreducingrecidivism.Inaddition,on-goingevaluationofthedecision-makingprocess helps to determine whether the platform is leading to the desired outcomes (e.g., reducedrecidivism)andidentifiespotentialareasforprogramandsystemimprovement.


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Since2011,GeorgetownUniversityMcCourtSchoolofPublicPolicy’sCenterforJuvenileJusticeReform(CJJR) and its partners at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody Research Institute have provided technicalassistance (TA) to help the JJSIP and JJRRI sites implement the structured decision-making tools andprocessesthatcomposetheirevidence-baseddecision-makingplatforms.The Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Juvenile Justice Certificate Program (hereinafter “Evidence-Based Decision-Making Certificate Program”) continues this work with additional state and localjurisdictions interested in implementing an evidence-based decision-making platform in their juvenilejusticesystems.AspartoftheCertificateProgram,teamswillattendanintensive,weeklongtrainingandcomplete a one-year Capstone Project to prepare them for implementation of an evidence-baseddecision-makingplatform.TowardtheendoftheCapstoneyear,theteamswillhavetheopportunitytoapply for an additional two-year TA contract to assist them in implementing the components of theplatform in their jurisdictions.After theCapstoneProject isdevelopedandapproved,participantswillalsoreceiveanExecutiveCertificatefromGeorgetownUniversityandbecomepartoftheCJJRFellowsNetwork.

II.DateandLocationoftheProgramTheEvidence-BasedDecision-MakingCertificateProgramwillbeheldonMonday,August7throughFriday,August11,2017.TheprogramwilltakeplaceattheGeorgetownUniversityHotelandConferenceCenterinWashington,DC.AllparticipantsarerequiredtoattendtheentireCertificateProgram,whichwillbegininthemorningonAugust7andendintheearlyafternoononAugust11.

III.PhaseI:CertificateProgramTheEvidence-BasedDecision-MakingCertificateProgramisafive-dayperiodofintensiveperiodofstudyforjurisdictionsthatseektoimproveoutcomesforyouthinthejuvenilejusticesystembycreatinganevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform.Participantswillreceiveinstructionfromresearchers,policymakers,andpractitionerswithexperienceintegratingstructureddecision-makingtoolsandpracticesintoaholisticplatformforjuvenilejusticedecision-making.Withguidancefrominstructorsandcompletionofcheckliststhroughoutthetraining,participantswillleavetheCertificateProgramwithadetailedunderstandingofthecomponentsoftheevidence-baseddecision-makingplatformandaplanforassessingandenhancingtheirreadinesstoimplementtheplatformintheirjurisdictions.Thecurriculumincludesthefollowingmodules:

“The Department’s Implementation of the Juvenile

Justice System Improvement Project (JJSIP) fundamentally altered the course of juvenile

justice in Florida. Participating in training workshops facilitated through Georgetown University in conjunction with Vanderbilt University, like the Evidence-

Based Decision-Making Certificate Program, led the Department to implement a number of system reforms

including an increased impetus on matching youth to the right

service, at the right time, and in the correct dosage. This included the development of data-driven disposition recommendations

that have contributed to recidivism reductions across the

delinquency continuum in Florida.”

Christy Daly, Secretary, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice


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Module1:IntroductionandResearchonYouthintheJuvenileJusticeSystemDuringthissession,instructorsandparticipantswillreviewresearchonthedistinctivecharacteristicsofadolescentdevelopmentthatarerelatedtodelinquentbehavior,identificationofprecursorsandpathwaystodelinquency,theinfluenceofriskandprotectivefactorsonoffending,thepatternsofoffensesandoffendersthattypicallyappearinjuvenilejusticesystems,thenatureofrecidivism,andpromotionofpositiveyouthdevelopment.ThisintroductorysessionwillserveasthefoundationfortherestoftheCertificateProgram.Module2:EssentialFeaturesofanEvidence-BasedDecision-MakingPlatformThissessionwillexaminethedetailsofwhatitmeanstohaveacomprehensiveevidence-basedplatformforjuvenilejusticedecision-making.BoththepreventionandgraduatedsanctionscomponentsofOJJDP’sComprehensiveStrategyforSerious,Violent,andChronicJuvenileOffenderswillbediscussed,withparticularfocusonhowtocreateanarrayofprogramsthataddressestheneedsandrisklevelsofthepopulationofyouthservedsothattherightservicesandsupportsareprovidedattherighttimefortherightyouth.Thesessionwillincludeareviewofstructureddecision-makingtools,suchasriskandneedsassessments,dispositionmatrices,andprogramevaluationsthatarevitaltoeffectivelymanagingtheflowofjuvenilesthroughthesystemandminimizingrecidivism.Itwillendwithabriefdiscussionofhowthesetoolsandprocessescanbeintegratedtocreateacoherentevidence-baseddecision-makingprocess.Module3:SystemsAlignmentImplementationofstructureddecision-makingtoolsoftenchangesthewayjuvenilejusticeagencystaffinteractwithoneanotherandwiththeirexternalstakeholders.Thesechangesmayrequirethatjuvenilejusticeagenciesaligntheirexistingpolicies,procedures,andpracticestosupporttheuseofthetools.ThissessionwillofferexamplesfromtheimplementationexperiencesoftheJJSIPandJJRRIsitestohighlightthecriticalroleofsystemsalignment(e.g.,toaddressstaffinglevelsandassignments,workforcedevelopment,andtraining)intheimplementationofanevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform.Participantswillalsoreviewtheimportanceofmulti-systemcollaboration,communityengagementandlong-termstrategicplanningtosuccessfulimplementation.Participantswillhavetheopportunitytodiscusssystemsalignmentissuesthatmayariseintheirjurisdictionandshareideasonwaystoaddressthem.Module4:OperationalizingRiskandNeedsAssessmentThissessionwillallowparticipantstoexaminemorecloselythemostcurrentresearchonriskandneedsassessment and analyze (1) the way their jurisdiction targets a youth’s risks and needs in serviceprovision,(2)thequalityofdataderivedfromtheirriskandneedsassessment,and(3)theusefulnessofrisk and needs information in planning a framework for graduated sanction arrangements andinterventions.Thissessionwillgiveparticipantsanunderstandingofthecriticalimportanceofriskandneedsassessmenttoallofthecomponentsoftheevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform.Module5:BuildingaDispositionMatrixThe sessionwill also focus onhow theuseof a disposition recommendationmatrix is used tomatchyouth to services, monitor the service array, and anticipate service expenditures. Participants willdiscuss issues relatedtodevelopingand implementingadispositionmatrix in their jurisdictions. Stafffrom the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice will review the steps they took to develop theirdispositionrecommendationmatrix,evaluateoutcomes,providefeedbacktostakeholders,andmodifythetooltoenhanceitseffectiveness.


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Module6:TheStandardizedProgramEvaluationProtocolThe sessions that comprise thismodulewill describe the SPEPTM andhow to implement itwithin thebroaderframeoftheevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform.Thetopicstobecoveredwillinclude:The Use of Evidence-Based Practices: This section will review the varying definitions of what is“evidence-based”andhowtouseresearchtoimproveprogrampracticealongtheentirejuvenilejusticecontinuum.HowtheSPEPTMWorks:ThissectionwillhighlighttheresearchfindingsthatinformedthedevelopmentoftheSPEPTM.Thekeycharacteristicsofeffectiveprograms,suchasprogramtype,amountandqualityofservice,andrisklevelofyouthservedwillbediscussed.Considerationwillbegiventowhatneedstobe in place to use this knowledge to evaluate programs in a system, such as a strongmanagementinformationsystemandriskandneedassessments.

EvaluatingProgramswiththeSPEPTM:Thissectionwillwalkparticipantsthroughtheprogramevaluationprocess, including defining what constitutes a program, classifying existing programs into categoriessupported by evidence of effectiveness, generating program ratings, and understanding the resultingscores.Duringthissession,participantswillgethands-onexperiencebyapplyingtheSPEPTMtooltoanexistingprogramintheirsystem.

The Performance Improvement Process: This section will describe how service providers, workingcollaborativelywith juvenile justiceagenciesandpartners, can improve theirSPEPTMscore inorder toalign their services with the characteristics of the most effective programs found in the research.Challengessuchasprovideracceptance,understanding,andbuy-inaswellascost, fidelityandsystemsustainabilitywillbeexplored.Thediscussionwillalsofocusonwaysthatserviceprovidersandpublicagency officials can build constructive alliances and work together to develop performanceimprovementstrategies.

Data-DrivenDecisionMaking:Thissectionwillprovideguidanceonhowtogeneratethenecessarydataonanongoingbasis,connecttheSPEPTMwithexistingdatasystemsandautomatetheprogramratings.Asimulationwillbeprovidedtoillustratethisprocess.Theobjectiveistousethecollectivedatasystemsforimprovedmacroandpolicylevelplanning,includingbudgeting,staffing,andprogramdevelopment.

Module7:DataManagementandEvaluationThis sessionwill expandon the preceding discussion by focusing on the individual andprogram leveldata that are required to support and evaluate the evidence-based decision-making model. It willinclude a review of the key variables needed to generate the SPEPTM scoring system, construct andevaluate the disposition matrix, and assess outcomes, such as recidivism and costs. It will include

“Berks County has benefitted tremendously from our participation in the Juvenile Justice System Improvement Project (JJSIP). It’s changed the way we have been able to identify gaps in services and then develop an array of

services to meet the needs of youth at all risk levels. Our relationships with community partners and service providers have also become stronger. Through SPEP we have improved the quality of the services being delivered

and ensured we are making appropriate referrals to the right programs for the right amount of time.”

Jeffrey Gregro, Deputy Chief, Berks County, Pennsylvania Juvenile Probation Office

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discussionofthevariouswaysthattheJJSIPandJJRRIsiteshaveapproacheddatacollectionandreviewthetypesofresearchquestionstheyhaveaddressed.Module8:QualityAssurance(QA)Successfulimplementationofanevidence-based,decision-makingplatformrequiresongoingmonitoringtoensurethatevidence-basedtoolsareusedwithfidelityandincorporatedappropriatelyandconsistentlyindecision-making.ThesessionwilldiscussarangeofimportantQAactivities,includingmonitoringthecollection,reliability,anduseofriskandneedsdata;overseeingthecaseplanningprocesstodeterminewhethercaseplansaccountappropriatelyforayouth’scriminogenicneeds;trackinghowstaffusedispositionalandservicematricestomakerecommendationsregardingsupervisionandservices;andprovidingoversighttotheSPEPTMprocessandrelatedperformanceimprovementprocess.SessionleaderswilldescribetheroleofQAstaffinrecommendingpoliciesandproceduresforimprovingstafftraining,evaluatingstaffandproviderperformance,collectingandanalyzingdata,sharinginformationwithstaffandstakeholders,andaligningsystemstosupportevidence-baseddecision-making.Module9:LeadershipandSustainabilityManagingtheimplementationofanevidence-baseddecision-makingplatformrequiresleaderswhoarecommittedtousingresearchanddatatoinformpractice,whocaneffectivelycommunicatethatcommitmenttostaffandstakeholders,andwhosustaintheircommitmentovertime.Thissessionwillhighlighthowleadershaveguidedsuccessfulimplementationeffortsby:

• Creatingavisionforjuvenilejusticereformthatincorporatesevidence-baseddecision-making;• Involvingstaffinallaspectsofplanningandimplementation;• Trainingstaffsotheycanconsistentlyandaccuratelyuseevidence-basedtools;• Allocatingresourcestoensurethattherearesufficientstafftosupportthedatacollection,

analytic,andqualityassurancetasksnecessaryforimplementingandsustainingtheevidence-basedplatform;

• Conveninginformation-sharingsessionsthatencouragebuy-inbyaffordingopportunitiesforstaffandexternalstakeholderstoaskquestionsandprovidefeedbackontheuseofstructureddecision-makingtools;

• Creatingpartnershipswithandachievingbuy-infromkeystakeholderstoimplementandsustainthework;and

• Advocatingforpractices,policies,andlegislationthathelptoinstitutionalizeandsustainevidence-baseddecision-makingasacentralpartofjuvenilejusticereform.

Module10:ExperiencedPractitionerPanelApanelofleaderswilldiscusshowtheirjurisdictionssuccessfullyimprovedthewaythejuvenilejusticesystemsserveyouththroughintegrationofstructureddecision-makingtoolsandevidence-baseddecision-making.Panelistswillprovideparticipantswithexamplesofsuccessesandchallengesintheirworkandengageinaninteractivediscussionaroundwhatparticipantteamsseektodothroughtheirowndevelopmentandimplementationofanevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform.Afterthepanel,practitionerswillstaytoworkwithteamsastheyreviewchecklistsanddevelopactionsteps.


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Module 11: Review of Checklists and Completion ofActionStepsAttheendoftheprogram,theteamswilldiscusshowtointegratethetoolsdiscussed(riskandneedsassessments,dispositionmatrixes,SPEPTM,etc.)intoasystem-levelcomprehensivestrategy,andultimately,intoroutinepractice.Withassistancefrominstructorsandexperiencedpractitioners,andaidedby“implementationreadiness”checklists,eachteamwilldevelopasetofstepsforassessingreadinesstoimplementthecomponentsofanevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform.Teamswillpresenttheirassessmentplantothegroupforfeedbackanddiscussion.Tobestmeettheneedsofparticipants,therewillbeampletimebetweenapplicants’notificationofacceptanceandtheprogramitselfsothatinstructorscantailorinstructiontosuittheparticipants’specificneedsandinterests.Coreinstructorsfortheprograminclude:

• MikeBaglivio,DirectorofResearchandProgramDevelopment,G4sYouthServices,LLC

• ShayBilchik,JD,ResearchProfessorandDirector,CenterforJuvenileJusticeReform,GeorgetownUniversityMcCourtSchoolofPublicPolicy

• StephanieBradley,Ph.D.,ManagingDirector,EPISCenter,PennsylvaniaStateUniversity• MichelleBrogden,DirectorofEvaluationandQualityAssurance,DelawareDivisionofYouth

RehabilitativeServices• GabrielleChapman,Ph.D.,ResearchAssociate,PeabodyResearchInstitute,Vanderbilt

University• NancyDietz,Director,DelawareDivisionofYouthRehabilitativeServices• MarkGreenwald,DirectorofResearchandDataIntegrity,FloridaDepartmentofJuvenileJustice• JeffreyGregro,DeputyChief,BerksCountyJuvenileProbationOffice• JamesC.“Buddy”Howell,Ph.D.,SeniorResearchAssociate,NationalGangCenter• MarkLipsey,Ph.D.,Director,PeabodyResearchInstitute,VanderbiltUniversity• LauraMoneyham,DeputySecretary,FloridaDepartmentofJuvenileJustice• KeithSnyder,JD,formerExecutiveDirector,PennsylvaniaJuvenileCourtJudgesCommission

IV.PhaseII:CapstoneProjectDuringtheone-yearCapstoneProject,participantswillreceiveTAtohelpthemassessandenhancetheirjurisdiction’simplementationreadiness,identifyandimproveidentifiedweakspots,developavisionforjuvenilejusticereformthatincorporatesevidence-baseddecision-making,andprepareaplanthatoutlinesthegoals,objectives,andtimelineforimplementinganevidence-baseddecision-makingplatformintheirjurisdiction.InordertodeveloptheirCapstoneProject,participantswilldrawuponandrefinetheplancreatedattheendoftheCertificateProgramtoassessandenhancereadinesstoimplementanevidence-based

“Delaware previously sent a Juvenile Justice team to CJJR to share lessons learned from our experience with the

Juvenile Justice Reform and Reinvestment Initiative (JJRRI). Sharing our experiences with other participating states was an empowering process that

helped Delaware build upon our Blueprint for Success. The Blueprint was designed to construct our evidence-based

platform and use structured decision-making tools to improve efficiency and outcomes for youth. CJJR Certificate

Programs are enriching and engaging to all child-serving leaders, and I encourage

any practitioners to take advantage of the Evidence-Based Decision-Making

Certificate Program.”

Nancy Dietz, Director, State of Delaware, Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services


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decision-makingplatformintheirjurisdiction.Eachteamwillbeprovidedtwodaysofon-siteconsultation,aswellasdistanceTAthroughphone,emailandwebinarconsultation.SubjectmatterexpertswillbeavailabletoprovideTA,andwillbematchedbasedontheneedsidentifiedaftercompletingthechecklists.Ideally,participantswillcompletethefollowingtasksduringtheCapstoneyear:

• Identifyabroad-basedstakeholderteamtosupportimplementationoftheplatformcomponents,defineleadershipresponsibilities,identifyworkgroupstoaddressspecifictasks,andoutlinestaffingresponsibilities;

• Completeathoroughinventoryandassessmentofexistingpolicies,procedures,andpracticesrelatedtotheimplementationofanevidence-baseddecision-makingplatformthatwillincludethefollowingtasks:

o Gaugingthelevelofstaffandstakeholdersupportforimplementinganevidence-basedplatformthatinvolvestheroutineuseofstructureddecision-makingtoolsandpractices;

o Evaluatingtheuseofriskandneedsassessmenttoolsindecision-makingtoassessthevalidityandreliabilityofthetoolsandthefidelitywithwhichtoolsarebeingusedtoinformdecision-making;

o Assessingtheavailabilityandqualityofdatanecessarytoimplementthestructureddecision-makingtoolsandprocessesincludedintheevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform,evaluateoutcomes,andguidethedevelopmentofpolicyandpractice;

o Documentingthearrayofprovidersandservicesavailabletoyouthinthejuvenilejusticesystem;and

o Documentingtheexistenceandnatureofqualityassuranceproceduresformonitoringthevalidityandreliabilityofthestructureddecision-makingtools,definingandmeasuringoutcomes,andrecommendingproceduresandpoliciestoalignpoliciesandpracticestosupportevidence-baseddecision-making.

• Completeagapanalysisanddevelopaplanforaddressinganygapsinexistingpolicies,proceduresandpracticesidentifiedduringtheassessmentphase,therebybuildingcapacityandreadinesstoimplementtheevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform;

• Createavisionforjuvenilejusticereformthatincorporatestheuseofstructureddecision-makingtoolsandpractices;and

• Outlineanactionplanandtimelineforimplementinganevidence-baseddecision-makingplatformintheirjurisdiction.

A one- to two-page Capstone Summary will be due approximately three weeks after the CertificateProgram.ThefinalCapstoneProjectProposal(10-12pages)isdueapproximatelytwomonthsaftertheendoftheCertificateProgram.Asindicatedabove,CJJRandVanderbiltwillbeworkingwitheachteamtosupportthedevelopmentoftheirCapstoneProject.CJJRwill request formalprogressupdatesevery sixmonthsafter theCapstoneYear to trackprogressand offer assistance. Based on these updates and implementation progress, CJJR recognizes theindividualorteamthathasmadethemostsignificantprogressinimprovingoutcomesforyouthintheircommunitywiththeCapstoneoftheYearAward.FirstdistributedinMarch2012,thisawardmarksanannualCJJRpracticetohonorandrecognizethesuccess,innovation,andtremendousworkofourCJJRFellowsthroughtheirCapstoneProjects.


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V.PhaseIII:ImplementationTA TowardtheendoftheCapstoneyear,eachteamwillbegiventheopportunitytoapplyfortwoadditionalyearsofTAthroughaseparatecontracttosupporttheminimplementingtheevidence-baseddecision-makingplatformintheirjurisdictions.ThismoreintensiveTAandcontractforimplementationwillbeginaftertheendoftheCapstoneyearandincludemonthlyphonesupportfromtheTAteamandsixtwo-daysitevisitsfromTArepresentativeswhowillmeetwiththeteam’sleadershipteamandotherstakeholderstoguideimplementationoftheevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform.TeamsthatareselectedforPhaseIIIimplementationTAwillhaveclearlydemonstratedduringthecourseoftheirCapstoneProjectsthattheyarelikelytocompleteimplementationinthetwo-yearcontinuationperiod.

VI.TuitionandSubsidiesThe tuition for this program is $4,500 per person. Tuition includes the Phase I five-day CertificateProgramtraining,andthePhaseIICapstoneYearTAduringwhicheachteamwillbeprovidedtwodaysof on-site TA by two consultants, as well as regular distance TA through phone, email and webinarconsultation. Tuitiondoesnot include thePhase III Implementation TA,whichwill require a separateapplication and contract for teams who demonstrate a readiness to implement an evidence-baseddecision-makingplatformintheirjurisdictionfollowingtheCapstoneyear.Travel,hotel,andincidentalexpensesarealsotheresponsibilityoftheparticipant.Breakfastandlunchareprovidedthroughouttheprogram,anddinnerisprovidedthefirstnightoftheprogram.TheCenterfor Juvenile Justice Reform has reserved a block of rooms at a reduced rate at the GeorgetownUniversityHotelandConferenceCenterwheretheprogramwillbeheld.Participantswill,however,beresponsible for hotel expenses and making their individual reservations. More information will beprovideduponacceptancetotheprogram.Tuition subsidies are available through CJJR’s Janet Reno scholarships for participants withdemonstrated financialneed. Therewill alsobe subsidiesavailable from theOfficeof Juvenile Justiceand Delinquency Prevention’s Center for Coordinated Assistance to States for teams that show aheightenedreadinesstoutilizethecurriculumtoundertakechangesintheirlocalcommunity.Toapplyforasubsidy,pleasesubmit theStatementofFinancialNeed(seebelow)withyourapplicationtotheprogramandindicatetheamountofaidyouarerequesting.Asmanyagenciesandorganizationsarefacingbudgetrestraints,westronglyurgeparticipantstoalsoseek other forms of financial assistance. For example, local, state, and regional level foundations areoftensupportiveofthistypeoftrainingactivityandmaybeabletoprovidegrantstocovertheportionofthetuitionforwhichtheparticipantisresponsible,aswellastravelcosts.

VII.SelectionCriteriaAtotalofsixtosevenmulti-disciplinaryteamswillbeselectedforparticipationintheprogram.Eachteamshouldbecomprisedofbetweensevenandninemembersandshouldincluderepresentativesfromthefollowingconstituencies:

• Directors,deputiesand/ormanagersfromprobationandcorrectionsagencies,• Staffresponsiblefortraining,• Staffresponsiblefordatacollectionandqualityassurance,


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• Amemberofthejudiciary,• Arepresentativefromthepublicdefender’soffice,• Arepresentativefromtheprosecutor’soffice,and• Directorsormanagersfromserviceproviders.

Notethatteamsshouldcomprisetheindividualswhowillbemostheavilyinvolvedintheimplementationofthejurisdiction’sevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform.Inaddition,westronglysuggestthattheteamsincludeatleastonememberfromthejudiciaryandthedirectorofthejurisdiction’sjuvenilejusticeagency,e.g.,chiefprobationofficerand/orstatedirector.Teamsthatcandemonstratemostorallofthefollowingcharacteristicswillbegivenpreferenceforparticipation:

• Astronghistoryofjuvenilejusticereforms,• Ayearormoreofexperienceusingavalidatedriskassessmentinstrument,• Aneedsassessmentprocedureorcombinedriskandneedsassessmenttoolinplace,• The capacity to collect data over a sustained period of time—ideally, through the use of an

existing automated information system—in order to complete SPEPTM scoring and other datacollectiontasks,

• Abasicframeworkforacontinuumofgraduatedsanctions/services,• Commitmenttoqualitysystemimprovements,and• The willingness to use research to maximize program outcomes and inform future funding

decisions

VIII.FellowsNetworkandOtherBenefitsoftheProgramAfterparticipantscompletetheCertificateProgramandsuccessfullydevelopaCapstoneProject,theyareinductedintotheFellowsNetwork.TheFellowsNetworkiscomposedofthealumniofCJJR’s


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CertificateProgramswhoseCapstoneProjectshavebeenapprovedbyCJJR.Since2008,CJJRhasheldover30CertificatePrograms,andwelcomedmorethan800individualsintotheCJJRFellowsNetwork.TheFellowsNetworkisdesignedtosupportthedevelopmentofcurrentandfutureleadersworkingtoimproveoutcomesforyouthknowntomultiplesystemsofcaresuchasjuvenilejustice,childwelfare,education,behavioralhealth,andothers.Thisisdonethroughassistanceprovidedbynationalexperts,membersoftheFellowsNetwork,andCJJRstaff.Fellows Network participants stay connected through online tools so they can share knowledge andexpertise, discuss reform agendas, and identify resources. Fellows also have exclusive access to theFellowsNetworkWebsite thatprovides informationonpastandpresentCapstoneProjectsaswell asotherresourcestohelpjurisdictionsmovethereformeffortsforward.BenefitsofparticipatingintheprogramandbeingintheCJJRFellowsNetworkinclude:

• Instructionfromnationalexpertsoncuttingedgeideas,policies,andpracticesfromacrossthecountry;

• Involvement in an interactive anddynamic learning environmentwith individuals fromacrossthecountrywhoshareacommoninterestinenhancingtheirreformsinthisarea;

• Guidanceonhowtousethelearningtodevelopanactionplan(CapstoneProject)toleadeffortsaroundreforminyourorganization,community,andprofession;

• One-on-oneTAfromnationalexpertsontheCapstoneProject;• ExecutiveCertificatefromGeorgetownUniversity;• Prioritytoattendfutureprograms,symposia,andforumssponsoredbytheCenterforJuvenile

JusticeReform;and• OngoingsupportfromstaffoftheCenterandotherCJJRFellows.

IX.ApplicationGuidelinesSubmitapplicationsby11:59p.m.(intheapplicant’slocaltimezone)byFriday,May5,2017.Applicationsmustbecompletedonlineat:http://cjjr.georgetown.edu/certificate-programs/application-form/.EveryapplicantmustcompletePartI(ContactInformation,BiographyandPersonalStatement)andPartIII(DemographicInformation).ThosesubmittingessayresponsesonbehalfoftheirteammustalsocompletePartIIoftheapplication.ApplyingforFinancialAssistance:ThetuitionfortheCertificateProgramis$4,500perperson.Thisdoesnotincludeanyadditionalcostsforairfare,hotelaccommodations,andincidentalexpenses.Dinnerwillbeprovidedthefirstnightoftheprogram,andbreakfastandlunchwillbeprovidedthesecondthroughlastdayoftheprogram.TherearealimitednumberofsubsidiesthroughCJJR’sJanetRenoScholarshipsofupto$1,000tosupporttheparticipationofindividualsandteamswithdemonstratedneed.TherewillalsobesubsidiesavailablethroughCJJRprovidedbytheOfficeofJuvenile

Key Dates

Friday, May 5, 2017 at 11:59 p.m.

(in applicant’s time zone)

Application deadline

Late May Notification of

acceptance

August 7-11 Certificate Program


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JusticeandDelinquencyPrevention’sCenterforCoordinatedAssistancetoStatesforteamsthatshowaheightenedreadinesstoutilizethecurriculumtoundertakechangesintheirlocalcommunity.Heightenedreadinesswillbeassessedbasedonthefollowingfactors:

• Understandingoftheissues:Athoughtfulunderstandingofissues,suchasspecificpoliciesandpracticesthatremaintobeaddressedinthejuvenilejusticesysteminyourjurisdiction.

• Leadership:Adescriptionofcontributionsteammembershavemadeorareabletomaketoreformefforts,andtoadvocatingforthisissuetobecomeapriority.

• Capacitytousedatainordertosupportandmeasuretheimpactofreformefforts:Specificreferencestodatadescribingtheissuesidentifiedinyourjurisdiction.

• Familyengagement:Thehistoryof,and/orstrategytopursue,effortstoeffectivelyengagefamiliesinordertobetterservetheyouthinyourjurisdiction.

• Efficacy:Adetaileddescriptionofchallengesorbarriersencounteredinpreviousreformefforts,andanunderstandingofsuccessfulandunsuccessfulstrategiestoeliminatebarriers.

• Capacityandwillingnesstocollaborate(withinyourteamandwithothers):Ananalysisofeachteammember'srole,influenceandresources,andadescriptionofanyhistoryofsuccessfulcollaborationandreformefforts.

• Availableresources:Ananalysisoftheavailableresourceswithinyourjurisdiction,aswellascapacityandstrategytoobtainresourcestoimplementthereformeffort.

To apply for a subsidy, please submit a statement of financial need with your individual onlineapplication.Thestatementoffinancialneedshouldindicatethespecificamountyouarerequestingaswellasanyattemptsyouhavemadetoidentifyfundingsourcesthatcouldsupportyourparticipation.CJJRwillnotconductaseparatereviewofyourfinancialneed,soweencourageyoutoexerciserestraintinapplyingfortheselimiteddollars,helpingtoensurethattheyareallocatedtothosewiththegreatestneed.Pleasedirectanyquestionstojjreform@georgetown.edu.

X.Applicationhttp://cjjr.georgetown.edu/certificate-programs/application-form/PARTI:ContactInformation,ProfessionalBiographyandPersonalStatementRequiredofALLapplicants.PARTII:EssayQuestionsRequiredofthosewhohavebeendesignatedtocompletetheEssayportionoftheapplicationonbehalfoftheirteam.Responsestotheessayquestions(PartII)mustbesubmittedviatheuploadoptionontheonlineapplication(followingPartI).Whilethelengthofyourresponsestoeachquestionmayvary,youressayquestionsasawholeshouldbenomorethan5single-spacedpages.Teamsshouldprepareonejointsubmissionoftheessayquestions,anddesignateoneteammembertoupload/submitthecompleteddocument.

1. GoalsandObjectives.PleaseclarifythespecificgoalsandmeasurableobjectivesyourteamhaswithregardtoyourparticipationintheEvidence-BasedDecision-MakingCertificateProgram.If


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youanticipateCapstonereformeffortsstemmingfromtheCertificateProgrambeingassociatedwithotherreforminitiatives,pleasedescribehowyouwillcoordinatetheefforts.

2. JurisdictionSizeandJuvenileJusticePopulation

a. Pleaseprovide the totalpopulationand thepopulationofyouthunderage18 inyourjurisdiction. Please also provide demographic information for those under age 18(gender,raceandethnicity).

b. Howmanyjuvenileoffendersareservedinyour jurisdiction?Pleaseprovidedetailsonthenumberofjuvenileoffendersservedatvariouspointsofthejuvenilejusticesystem(arrest, petition,probation, commitment, etc.).Alsoprovidedemographic information(gender,raceandethnicity)foryourjuvenilejusticepopulation.

3. DataSystems

a. Pleaseprovideanoverviewofyourdatacollectionsystemandcapacitytoanalyzedatainbothyourjurisdictionandyourstate.Indicatethebarriersandlimitationsrelatedtotheavailabilityofdataon(1)thetypeofserviceseachjuvenilereceives,(2)thedurationoftheservice(s)received(thelengthoftime,inweeks,monthsoryearsoverwhichtheservice takes place) and (3) the quantity of the service(s) received (the amount ofcontacthoursreceived).

4. RiskandNeedsAssessmentsa. Pleaseelaborateontheriskandneedsassessment(s)usedinyourjurisdiction,focusing

on any limitations or areas for advancement. If there are variances betweenwhat isused in the jurisdictionandwhat isused in thestate,pleaseexplain thosedifferencesandanyplansandtimelinestoreconcilethem.

b. Please briefly summarize the protocols around the use of the risk and needsassessment(s) inyourjurisdiction.Whatprocessesareusedtoassessyouthandfamilyneeds?Howarethescoresincorporatedintocaserecommendations,caseplanningandcasemanagement?Howwidespreadaretheseprotocols?

c. Howlonghastheassessment(s)beeninuse?Whenwasitlastvalidated?

5. ArrayofServicesandSanctionsa. Please provide an overview of the types of services (e.g. mentoring, family therapy,

substance abuse treatment, etc.) and sanctions (restitution, community service,probation, secure care, etc.) your jurisdiction has, and whether these are providedinternallyorthroughcontractstootherprovidersoragencies.

b. Please describe how youth are currently assigned to services and sanctions in yourjurisdiction.

6. Please identify the area(s) you believe are strongest and the area(s) most in need ofimprovement in relationto implementationofanevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform.(Thepurposeofthisquestionistogainagreaterunderstandingofyourjurisdiction’sstrengthsandparticularTAneeds.)

7. Leadership,ManagementandImplementationTeama. Whohasbeenidentifiedtoleadthedata-relatedaspectsofthisproject?Pleaseprovide

theirname,titleandorganization.


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b. ProvidealistoftheteammembersapplyingtotheCertificateProgram,andwhateachmemberwillbringtotheteam.Pleasecommentontheextenttowhichthemembersofthememberteamhavepreviouslyworkedwithoneanotheronaninitiativeorreformeffort.

PARTIII:DemographicInformationRequiredofALLapplicants.

XI.AboutthePartners CenterforJuvenileJusticeReformFornearlyadecade,theCenterforJuvenileJusticeReform(CJJR)atGeorgetownUniversity’sMcCourtSchoolofPublicPolicyhasservedasanationalleaderinidentifyingandhighlightingtheresearchonpoliciesandpracticesthatworkbesttoreducedelinquencyandachievebetteroutcomesforchildren.AcentralcomponentofCJJR’sworkistheprovisionofdynamictrainingandTAprogramsdesignedtosupportsystemofficials,partnersandstakeholdersatthestate,countyandlocallevelstoadvancebalanced,multi-systemapproachestoservicedeliveryandsystemimprovement.Since2008,CJJRhasconducted32CertificateProgramsaimedatbuildingafieldofstrongleadersdedicatedtojuvenilejusticereform.HostedatGeorgetownUniversity,theintensivetrainingsfocusonkeyareas,suchasReducingRacialandEthnicDisparities,YouthinCustody,Diversion,Multi-SystemIntegration,andSchool-JusticePartnerships.CJJRstaffandotherfieldexpertsdeliverthetrainings,andparticipantsthenapplytheknowledgegainedtodevelopandimplementCapstoneProjects—multi-systemreformeffortsgearedtowardspositivelyimpactingthelivesofyouth.Todate,over800programalumniacross48states,D.C.,PuertoRicoandseveralcountries,comprisetheCJJRFellowsNetwork.CJJRhasadvancedthefieldthroughthedevelopmentofpublicationsthat,coupledwithcomprehensiveon-sitetrainingandTA,guidereformsatthecasepracticelevel.TheCrossoverYouthPracticeModel(CYPM)isaresearch-basedmodelthatdescribesspecificpoliciesandpracticesdesignedtoreducethenumberofyouthwhocrossoverbetweenthechildwelfareandjuvenilejusticesystems,andimproveoutcomesforcrossoveryouth.Since2010,CJJRhasworkedwithover95countiesin22statestoimplementtheCYPM.UsingthesuccessfulCYPMasaguide,CJJR,inpartnershipwiththeCouncilofJuvenileCorrectionalAdministrators,recentlylaunchedtheYouthinCustodyPracticeModel(YICPM)Initiative,aprojectdesignedtoprovidestateandcountyjuvenilecorrectionalagencieswithguidanceonessentialpracticesincaseplanning,facility-basedservices,transition/reentryandcommunity-basedservices.CJJRisworkingwithfourjurisdictionsaroundtheU.S.toimplementtheYICPM.CJJRhaspartneredwithOJJDPandotherorganizationsonvarioustrainingandTAinitiatives.CJJRisapartneronOJJDP’sCenterforCoordinatedAssistancetoStates,whichdeliverstrainingandTAtostates,communities,territoriesandtribalunitslookingtomaximizetheeffectivenessoftheirjuvenilejusticesystemandbetterserveyouth.Aspartofthiswork,CJJRleadstheMulti-SystemCollaborationTrainingandTechnicalAssistanceProgram,adistance-learningprogramthathasassistednearly20jurisdictionstoenhancecross-systemcommunicationandcollaboration.CJJRhasalsopartneredwithOJJDPandVanderbiltUniversitytoadministertheJuvenileJusticeReformandReinvestmentInitiative(JJRRI),aprogramthataidsstatestoimprovetheirsystemoperationsusingtheStandardizedProgramEvaluationProtocol.ThisprogramisinspiredbyCJJR’sJuvenileJusticeSystemImprovement Project (JJSIP), which utilizes Dr. Mark Lipsey’s research on effective juvenile justice


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programs andOJJDP’s Comprehensive Strategy for Serious,Violent andChronic JuvenileOffenders asdevelopedbyDr.JamesC.HowellandJohnWilsontoofferaframeworkforimprovingpractice.CJJRisservingsevenstatesthroughJJJRRIandJJSIP.Theseeffortstohelpstatesimproveoutcomesforsystem-involvedyouthbybettertranslatingknowledgeon"whatworks"intoeverydaypracticeandpolicyformthebasisfortheEvidence-BasedDecision-MakingCertificateProgram.FormoreontheCenter’swork,visithttp://cjjr.georgetown.edu/PeabodyResearchInstituteatVanderbiltUniversityThemissionofthePeabodyResearchInstitute(PRI)atVanderbiltUniversityistoconductactionableresearchaimedatimprovingtheeffectivenessofprogramsforchildren,youth,andfamilies.Usingfieldresearch,programevaluation,andresearchsynthesis,thePRIfacultyandstaffaddressquestionsaboutwhethersuchprogramsareactuallymakingadifferenceinthelivesofthepeopletheyserve.Theresultsofthatresearcharethensharedwithpolicymakersandpractitioners,whoareoftenpartnersintheresearch,inordertoinformprogramdevelopment,selection,andimprovement.AparticularfocusofthePRIworkisfindingwaystobridgebetweenresearchandpracticewithtoolsandguidelinesthattranslateresearchintoformsthatmakeitsimplicationsaccessibleforpracticalapplication.PRIhashadalongandsuccessfulhistorypartneringwithGeorgetown'sCJJRtopromoteevidence-basedsustainablejuvenilejusticereforminstateandlocalsystemsutilizingoneoftheresourcesavailablethroughPRI—theStandardizedProgramEvaluationProtocol(SPEP™).TheSPEP™isavalidated,data-drivenassessmentschemefordetermininghowwellalocalprogramorserviceforjuvenileoffendersmatchestheprofileofcharacteristicsfoundtobeassociatedwithrecidivismreductionsinalargebodyofevaluationresearchevidencecompiledbyDr.MarkLipseyandhiscolleaguesoverthelast30years.TrainingandtechnicalassistancematerialstoguideSPEPTMimplementationinjuvenilejusticesystemshavebeendevelopedbyDr.GabrielleLynnChapman,whohasworkedwithDr.LipseyonSPEPTMdisseminationfornearlyadecade.StartingwithapilotstudyinNorthCarolinain2002,theSPEP™hasnowbeenimplementedinmultiplejuvenilejusticesystemsintheU.S.and,mostrecently,inAustralia.WorkcontinuesatPRItoaddnewevaluationstudiestothedatabaseandupdatetheSPEPtoensurethatitremainscloselyalignedwiththefullbodyofevidenceoneffectiveinterventionsforjuvenileoffenders.FormoreonthejuvenilejusticeworkatthePeabodyResearchInstitute,visithttp://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/research/pri/andhttps://my.vanderbilt.edu/spep/spep-information/

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