EVIDENCE-BASEDDECISION-MAKING
INJUVENILEJUSTICE
CERTIFICATEPROGRAM
2017ApplicationPacket
Formoreinformation,pleasevisithttp://cjjr.georgetown.eduorcontact
[email protected].
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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.Introduction
Overthepastseveraldecades,therehasbeenagrowingbodyofresearchevidenceonwhatworksto
reducerecidivismandothernegativeoutcomesforyouthinthejusticesystem.Equallyimportanthas
beenthefurtherdevelopmentofstructureddecision-makingtoolsthatallowjuvenilejustice
practitionerstousetheextensivebodyofrelevantresearchtoimprovetheefficiencyandoutcomesof
juvenilejusticesystems.Thesetoolsinclude:
• Riskandneedsassessmentinstrumentsthatcanguidedecisionsaboutthelevelofsupervision
proportionatetoyouthriskforcontinueddelinquencyandthecriminogenicneedsmost
appropriateforinterventionprogramstoaddress;
• TheStandardizedProgramEvaluationProtocol(SPEPTM),whichcanbeusedtoassessthe
expectedeffectivenessofthoseprogramsforreducingrecidivism;and
• Dispositionmatricestailoredtoeachjuvenilejusticesystemanddesignedtoidentifythelevelof
supervisionandtypesofserviceslikelytoreducetherecidivismofyouthmanagedinthat
system.
In recent years, two separate demonstration programs—the Juvenile Justice System Improvement
Project (JJSIP) and the Juvenile Justice Reform and Reinvestment Initiative (JJRRI)—have focused on
helping 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, and
reduce system costs. As depicted in the diagram below, this platform aims to ensure that each youth
who enters the juvenile justice system is screened using a validated risk and needs assessment tool,
matched to the appropriate level of supervision based on his/her risk to re-offend, linked to services
based on the criminogenic needs identified during his/her assessment, and provided with program
optionsthatareeffectiveinreducingrecidivism.Inaddition,on-goingevaluationofthedecision-making
process helps to determine whether the platform is leading to the desired outcomes (e.g., reduced
recidivism)andidentifiespotentialareasforprogramandsystemimprovement.
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Since2011,GeorgetownUniversityMcCourtSchoolofPublicPolicy’sCenterforJuvenileJusticeReform
(CJJR) and its partners at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody Research Institute have provided technical
assistance (TA) to help the JJSIP and JJRRI sites implement the structured decision-making tools and
processesthatcomposetheirevidence-baseddecision-makingplatforms.
The Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Juvenile Justice Certificate Program (hereinafter “EvidenceBased Decision-Making Certificate Program”) continues this work with additional state and local
jurisdictions interested in implementing an evidence-based decision-making platform in their juvenile
justicesystems.AspartoftheCertificateProgram,teamswillattendanintensive,weeklongtrainingand
complete a one-year Capstone Project to prepare them for implementation of an evidence-based
decision-makingplatform.TowardtheendoftheCapstoneyear,theteamswillhavetheopportunityto
apply for an additional two-year TA contract to assist them in implementing the components of the
platform in their jurisdictions. After the Capstone Project is developed and approved, participants will
alsoreceiveanExecutiveCertificatefromGeorgetownUniversityandbecomepartoftheCJJRFellows
Network.
II.DateandLocationoftheProgram
TheEvidence-BasedDecision-MakingCertificateProgramwill
beheldonMonday,August7throughFriday,August11,2017.
“The Department’s
Implementation of the Juvenile
TheprogramwilltakeplaceattheGeorgetownUniversity
Justice System Improvement
HotelandConferenceCenterinWashington,DC.All
Project
(JJSIP) fundamentally
participantsarerequiredtoattendtheentireCertificate
altered the course of juvenile
Program,whichwillbegininthemorningonAugust7andend
justice in Florida. Participating
intheearlyafternoononAugust11.
in training workshops facilitated
III.PhaseI:CertificateProgram
TheEvidence-BasedDecision-MakingCertificateProgramisa
five-dayperiodofintensiveperiodofstudyforjurisdictions
thatseektoimproveoutcomesforyouthinthejuvenile
justicesystembycreatinganevidence-baseddecision-making
platform.Participantswillreceiveinstructionfrom
researchers,policymakers,andpractitionerswithexperience
integratingstructureddecision-makingtoolsandpractices
intoaholisticplatformforjuvenilejusticedecision-making.
Withguidancefrominstructorsandcompletionofchecklists
throughoutthetraining,participantswillleavetheCertificate
Programwithadetailedunderstandingofthecomponentsof
theevidence-baseddecision-makingplatformandaplanfor
assessingandenhancingtheirreadinesstoimplementthe
platformintheirjurisdictions.
Thecurriculumincludesthefollowingmodules:
through Georgetown University
in conjunction with Vanderbilt
University, like the EvidenceBased 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:IntroductionandResearchonYouthintheJuvenileJusticeSystem
Duringthissession,instructorsandparticipantswillreviewresearchonthedistinctivecharacteristicsof
adolescentdevelopmentthatarerelatedtodelinquentbehavior,identificationofprecursorsand
pathwaystodelinquency,theinfluenceofriskandprotectivefactorsonoffending,thepatternsof
offensesandoffendersthattypicallyappearinjuvenilejusticesystems,thenatureofrecidivism,and
promotionofpositiveyouthdevelopment.Thisintroductorysessionwillserveasthefoundationforthe
restoftheCertificateProgram.
Module2:EssentialFeaturesofanEvidence-BasedDecision-MakingPlatform
Thissessionwillexaminethedetailsofwhatitmeanstohaveacomprehensiveevidence-basedplatform
forjuvenilejusticedecision-making.Boththepreventionandgraduatedsanctionscomponentsof
OJJDP’sComprehensiveStrategyforSerious,Violent,andChronicJuvenileOffenderswillbediscussed,
withparticularfocusonhowtocreateanarrayofprogramsthataddressestheneedsandrisklevelsof
thepopulationofyouthservedsothattherightservicesandsupportsareprovidedattherighttimefor
therightyouth.Thesessionwillincludeareviewofstructureddecision-makingtools,suchasriskand
needsassessments,dispositionmatrices,andprogramevaluationsthatarevitaltoeffectivelymanaging
theflowofjuvenilesthroughthesystemandminimizingrecidivism.Itwillendwithabriefdiscussionof
howthesetoolsandprocessescanbeintegratedtocreateacoherentevidence-baseddecision-making
process.
Module3:SystemsAlignment
Implementationofstructureddecision-makingtoolsoftenchangesthewayjuvenilejusticeagencystaff
interactwithoneanotherandwiththeirexternalstakeholders.Thesechangesmayrequirethatjuvenile
justiceagenciesaligntheirexistingpolicies,procedures,andpracticestosupporttheuseofthetools.
ThissessionwillofferexamplesfromtheimplementationexperiencesoftheJJSIPandJJRRIsitesto
highlightthecriticalroleofsystemsalignment(e.g.,toaddressstaffinglevelsandassignments,
workforcedevelopment,andtraining)intheimplementationofanevidence-baseddecision-making
platform.Participantswillalsoreviewtheimportanceofmulti-systemcollaboration,community
engagementandlong-termstrategicplanningtosuccessfulimplementation.Participantswillhavethe
opportunitytodiscusssystemsalignmentissuesthatmayariseintheirjurisdictionandshareideason
waystoaddressthem.
Module4:OperationalizingRiskandNeedsAssessment
Thissessionwillallowparticipantstoexaminemorecloselythemostcurrentresearchonriskandneeds
assessment and analyze (1) the way their jurisdiction targets a youth’s risks and needs in service
provision,(2)thequalityofdataderivedfromtheirriskandneedsassessment,and(3)theusefulnessof
risk and needs information in planning a framework for graduated sanction arrangements and
interventions.Thissessionwillgiveparticipantsanunderstandingofthecriticalimportanceofriskand
needsassessmenttoallofthecomponentsoftheevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform.
Module5:BuildingaDispositionMatrix
The session will also focus on how the use of a disposition recommendation matrix is used to match
youth to services, monitor the service array, and anticipate service expenditures. Participants will
discuss issues related to developing and implementing a disposition matrix in theirjurisdictions. Staff
from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice will review the steps they took to develop their
dispositionrecommendationmatrix,evaluateoutcomes,providefeedbacktostakeholders,andmodify
thetooltoenhanceitseffectiveness.
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Module6:TheStandardizedProgramEvaluationProtocol
The sessions that comprise this module will describe the SPEPTM and how to implement it within the
broaderframeoftheevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform.Thetopicstobecoveredwillinclude:
The Use of Evidence-Based Practices: This section will review the varying definitions of what is
“evidence-based”andhowtouseresearchtoimproveprogrampracticealongtheentirejuvenilejustice
continuum.
HowtheSPEPTMWorks:Thissectionwillhighlighttheresearchfindingsthatinformedthedevelopment
oftheSPEPTM.Thekeycharacteristicsofeffectiveprograms,suchasprogramtype,amountandquality
ofservice,andrisklevelofyouthservedwillbediscussed.Considerationwillbegiventowhatneedsto
be in place to use this knowledge to evaluate programs in a system, such as a strong management
informationsystemandriskandneedassessments.
EvaluatingProgramswiththeSPEPTM:Thissectionwillwalkparticipantsthroughtheprogramevaluation
process, including defining what constitutes a program, classifying existing programs into categories
supported by evidence of effectiveness, generating program ratings, and understanding the resulting
scores.Duringthissession,participantswillgethands-onexperiencebyapplyingtheSPEPTMtooltoan
existingprogramintheirsystem.
The Performance Improvement Process: This section will describe how service providers, working
collaboratively with juvenile justice agencies and partners, can improve their SPEPTM score in order to
align their services with the characteristics of the most effective programs found in the research.
Challengessuchasprovideracceptance,understanding,andbuy-inaswellascost,fidelityandsystem
sustainabilitywillbeexplored.Thediscussionwillalsofocusonwaysthatserviceprovidersandpublic
agency officials can build constructive alliances and work together to develop performance
improvementstrategies.
Data-DrivenDecisionMaking:Thissectionwillprovideguidanceonhowtogeneratethenecessarydata
onanongoingbasis,connecttheSPEPTMwithexistingdatasystemsandautomatetheprogramratings.
Asimulationwillbeprovidedtoillustratethisprocess.Theobjectiveistousethecollectivedatasystems
forimprovedmacroandpolicylevelplanning,includingbudgeting,staffing,andprogramdevelopment.
“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
-
Module7:DataManagementandEvaluation
This session will expand on the preceding discussion by focusing on the individual and program level
data that are required to support and evaluate the evidence-based decision-making model. It will
include a review of the key variables needed to generate the SPEPTM scoring system, construct and
evaluate the disposition matrix, and assess outcomes, such as recidivism and costs. It will include
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discussionofthevariouswaysthattheJJSIPandJJRRIsiteshaveapproacheddatacollectionandreview
thetypesofresearchquestionstheyhaveaddressed.
Module8:QualityAssurance(QA)
Successfulimplementationofanevidence-based,decision-makingplatformrequiresongoingmonitoring
toensurethatevidence-basedtoolsareusedwithfidelityandincorporatedappropriatelyand
consistentlyindecision-making.ThesessionwilldiscussarangeofimportantQAactivities,including
monitoringthecollection,reliability,anduseofriskandneedsdata;overseeingthecaseplanning
processtodeterminewhethercaseplansaccountappropriatelyforayouth’scriminogenicneeds;
trackinghowstaffusedispositionalandservicematricestomakerecommendationsregarding
supervisionandservices;andprovidingoversighttotheSPEPTMprocessandrelatedperformance
improvementprocess.SessionleaderswilldescribetheroleofQAstaffinrecommendingpoliciesand
proceduresforimprovingstafftraining,evaluatingstaffandproviderperformance,collectingand
analyzingdata,sharinginformationwithstaffandstakeholders,andaligningsystemstosupport
evidence-baseddecision-making.
Module9:LeadershipandSustainability
Managingtheimplementationofanevidence-baseddecision-makingplatformrequiresleaderswhoare
committedtousingresearchanddatatoinformpractice,whocaneffectivelycommunicatethat
commitmenttostaffandstakeholders,andwhosustaintheircommitmentovertime.Thissessionwill
highlighthowleadershaveguidedsuccessfulimplementationeffortsby:
• Creatingavisionforjuvenilejusticereformthatincorporatesevidence-baseddecision-making;
• Involvingstaffinallaspectsofplanningandimplementation;
• Trainingstaffsotheycanconsistentlyandaccuratelyuseevidence-basedtools;
• Allocatingresourcestoensurethattherearesufficientstafftosupportthedatacollection,
analytic,andqualityassurancetasksnecessaryforimplementingandsustainingtheevidencebasedplatform;
• Conveninginformation-sharingsessionsthatencouragebuy-inbyaffordingopportunitiesfor
staffandexternalstakeholderstoaskquestionsandprovidefeedbackontheuseofstructured
decision-makingtools;
• Creatingpartnershipswithandachievingbuy-infromkeystakeholderstoimplementand
sustainthework;and
• Advocatingforpractices,policies,andlegislationthathelptoinstitutionalizeandsustain
evidence-baseddecision-makingasacentralpartofjuvenilejusticereform.
Module10:ExperiencedPractitionerPanel
Apanelofleaderswilldiscusshowtheirjurisdictionssuccessfullyimprovedthewaythejuvenilejustice
systemsserveyouththroughintegrationofstructureddecision-makingtoolsandevidence-based
decision-making.Panelistswillprovideparticipantswithexamplesofsuccessesandchallengesintheir
workandengageinaninteractivediscussionaroundwhatparticipantteamsseektodothroughtheir
owndevelopmentandimplementationofanevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform.Afterthepanel,
practitionerswillstaytoworkwithteamsastheyreviewchecklistsanddevelopactionsteps.
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Module 11: Review of Checklists and Completion of
“Delaware previously sent a Juvenile
ActionSteps
Justice team to CJJR to share lessons
Attheendoftheprogram,theteamswilldiscusshowto
learned from our experience with the
Juvenile Justice Reform and
integratethetoolsdiscussed(riskandneedsassessments,
Reinvestment Initiative (JJRRI). Sharing
dispositionmatrixes,SPEPTM,etc.)intoasystem-level
our experiences with other participating
comprehensivestrategy,andultimately,intoroutine
states was an empowering process that
practice.Withassistancefrominstructorsand
helped Delaware build upon our
experiencedpractitioners,andaidedby“implementation
Blueprint for Success. The Blueprint was
readiness”checklists,eachteamwilldevelopasetof
designed to construct our evidence-based
stepsforassessingreadinesstoimplementthe
platform and use structured decisionmaking
tools to improve efficiency and
componentsofanevidence-baseddecision-making
outcomes
for youth. CJJR Certificate
platform.Teamswillpresenttheirassessmentplantothe
Programs
are
enriching and engaging to
groupforfeedbackanddiscussion.
all child-serving leaders, and I encourage
any practitioners to take advantage of
Tobestmeettheneedsofparticipants,therewillbe
the Evidence-Based Decision-Making
ampletimebetweenapplicants’notificationof
Certificate Program.”
acceptanceandtheprogramitselfsothatinstructorscan
Nancy Dietz, Director, State of Delaware,
tailorinstructiontosuittheparticipants’specificneeds
Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services
andinterests.Coreinstructorsfortheprograminclude:
• MikeBaglivio,DirectorofResearchandProgram
Development,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:CapstoneProject
Duringtheone-yearCapstoneProject,participantswillreceiveTAtohelpthemassessandenhance
theirjurisdiction’simplementationreadiness,identifyandimproveidentifiedweakspots,developa
visionforjuvenilejusticereformthatincorporatesevidence-baseddecision-making,andprepareaplan
thatoutlinesthegoals,objectives,andtimelineforimplementinganevidence-baseddecision-making
platformintheirjurisdiction.
InordertodeveloptheirCapstoneProject,participantswilldrawuponandrefinetheplancreatedat
theendoftheCertificateProgramtoassessandenhancereadinesstoimplementanevidence-based
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decision-makingplatformintheirjurisdiction.Eachteamwillbeprovidedtwodaysofon-site
consultation,aswellasdistanceTAthroughphone,emailandwebinarconsultation.Subjectmatter
expertswillbeavailabletoprovideTA,andwillbematchedbasedontheneedsidentifiedafter
completingthechecklists.Ideally,participantswillcompletethefollowingtasksduringtheCapstone
year:
• Identifyabroad-basedstakeholderteamtosupportimplementationoftheplatform
components,defineleadershipresponsibilities,identifyworkgroupstoaddressspecifictasks,
andoutlinestaffingresponsibilities;
• Completeathoroughinventoryandassessmentofexistingpolicies,procedures,andpractices
relatedtotheimplementationofanevidence-baseddecision-makingplatformthatwillinclude
thefollowingtasks:
o Gaugingthelevelofstaffandstakeholdersupportforimplementinganevidence-based
platformthatinvolvestheroutineuseofstructureddecision-makingtoolsandpractices;
o Evaluatingtheuseofriskandneedsassessmenttoolsindecision-makingtoassessthe
validityandreliabilityofthetoolsandthefidelitywithwhichtoolsarebeingusedto
informdecision-making;
o Assessingtheavailabilityandqualityofdatanecessarytoimplementthestructured
decision-makingtoolsandprocessesincludedintheevidence-baseddecision-making
platform,evaluateoutcomes,andguidethedevelopmentofpolicyandpractice;
o Documentingthearrayofprovidersandservicesavailabletoyouthinthejuvenile
justicesystem;and
o Documentingtheexistenceandnatureofqualityassuranceproceduresformonitoring
thevalidityandreliabilityofthestructureddecision-makingtools,definingand
measuringoutcomes,andrecommendingproceduresandpoliciestoalignpoliciesand
practicestosupportevidence-baseddecision-making.
• Completeagapanalysisanddevelopaplanforaddressinganygapsinexistingpolicies,
proceduresandpracticesidentifiedduringtheassessmentphase,therebybuildingcapacityand
readinesstoimplementtheevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform;
• Createavisionforjuvenilejusticereformthatincorporatestheuseofstructureddecisionmakingtoolsandpractices;and
• Outlineanactionplanandtimelineforimplementinganevidence-baseddecision-making
platformintheirjurisdiction.
A one- to two-page Capstone Summary will be due approximately three weeks after the Certificate
Program.ThefinalCapstoneProjectProposal(10-12pages)isdueapproximatelytwomonthsafterthe
endoftheCertificateProgram.Asindicatedabove,CJJRandVanderbiltwillbeworkingwitheachteam
tosupportthedevelopmentoftheirCapstoneProject.
CJJR will request formal progress updates every six months after the Capstone Year to track progress
and offer assistance. Based on these updates and implementation progress, CJJR recognizes the
individualorteamthathasmadethemostsignificantprogressinimprovingoutcomesforyouthintheir
communitywiththeCapstoneoftheYearAward.FirstdistributedinMarch2012,thisawardmarksan
annualCJJRpracticetohonorandrecognizethesuccess,innovation,andtremendousworkofourCJJR
FellowsthroughtheirCapstoneProjects.
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V.PhaseIII:ImplementationTA
TowardtheendoftheCapstoneyear,eachteamwillbegiventheopportunitytoapplyfortwo
additionalyearsofTAthroughaseparatecontracttosupporttheminimplementingtheevidence-based
decision-makingplatformintheirjurisdictions.ThismoreintensiveTAandcontractforimplementation
willbeginaftertheendoftheCapstoneyearandincludemonthlyphonesupportfromtheTAteamand
sixtwo-daysitevisitsfromTArepresentativeswhowillmeetwiththeteam’sleadershipteamandother
stakeholderstoguideimplementationoftheevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform.Teamsthatare
selectedforPhaseIIIimplementationTAwillhaveclearlydemonstratedduringthecourseoftheir
CapstoneProjectsthattheyarelikelytocompleteimplementationinthetwo-yearcontinuationperiod.
VI.TuitionandSubsidies
The tuition for this program is $4,500 per person. Tuition includes the Phase I five-day Certificate
Programtraining,andthePhaseIICapstoneYearTAduringwhicheachteamwillbeprovidedtwodays
of on-site TA by two consultants, as well as regular distance TA through phone, email and webinar
consultation. Tuition does not include the Phase III Implementation TA, which will require a separate
application and contract for teams who demonstrate a readiness to implement an evidence-based
decision-makingplatformintheirjurisdictionfollowingtheCapstoneyear.
Travel,hotel,andincidentalexpensesarealsotheresponsibilityoftheparticipant.Breakfastandlunch
areprovidedthroughouttheprogram,anddinnerisprovidedthefirstnightoftheprogram.TheCenter
for Juvenile Justice Reform has reserved a block of rooms at a reduced rate at the Georgetown
UniversityHotelandConferenceCenterwheretheprogramwillbeheld.Participantswill,however,be
responsible for hotel expenses and making their individual reservations. More information will be
provideduponacceptancetotheprogram.
Tuition subsidies are available through CJJR’s Janet Reno scholarships for participants with
demonstrated financial need. There will also be subsidies available from the Office of Juvenile Justice
and Delinquency Prevention’s Center for Coordinated Assistance to States for teams that show a
heightenedreadinesstoutilizethecurriculumtoundertakechangesintheirlocalcommunity.Toapply
forasubsidy,pleasesubmittheStatementofFinancialNeed(seebelow)withyourapplicationtothe
programandindicatetheamountofaidyouarerequesting.
Asmanyagenciesandorganizationsarefacingbudgetrestraints,westronglyurgeparticipantstoalso
seek other forms of financial assistance. For example, local, state, and regional level foundations are
oftensupportiveofthistypeoftrainingactivityandmaybeabletoprovidegrantstocovertheportion
ofthetuitionforwhichtheparticipantisresponsible,aswellastravelcosts.
VII.SelectionCriteria
Atotalofsixtosevenmulti-disciplinaryteamswillbeselectedforparticipationintheprogram.Each
teamshouldbecomprisedofbetweensevenandninemembersandshouldincluderepresentatives
fromthefollowingconstituencies:
• Directors,deputiesand/ormanagersfromprobationandcorrectionsagencies,
• Staffresponsiblefortraining,
• Staffresponsiblefordatacollectionandqualityassurance,
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•
•
•
•
Amemberofthejudiciary,
Arepresentativefromthepublicdefender’soffice,
Arepresentativefromtheprosecutor’soffice,and
Directorsormanagersfromserviceproviders.
Notethatteamsshouldcomprisetheindividualswhowillbemostheavilyinvolvedinthe
implementationofthejurisdiction’sevidence-baseddecision-makingplatform.Inaddition,westrongly
suggestthattheteamsincludeatleastonememberfromthejudiciaryandthedirectorofthe
jurisdiction’sjuvenilejusticeagency,e.g.,chiefprobationofficerand/orstatedirector.
Teamsthatcandemonstratemostorallofthefollowingcharacteristicswillbegivenpreferencefor
participation:
• 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 data
collectiontasks,
• Abasicframeworkforacontinuumofgraduatedsanctions/services,
• Commitmenttoqualitysystemimprovements,and
• The willingness to use research to maximize program outcomes and inform future funding
decisions
VIII.FellowsNetworkandOtherBenefitsoftheProgram
AfterparticipantscompletetheCertificateProgramandsuccessfullydevelopaCapstoneProject,they
areinductedintotheFellowsNetwork.TheFellowsNetworkiscomposedofthealumniofCJJR’s
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CertificateProgramswhoseCapstoneProjectshavebeenapprovedbyCJJR.Since2008,CJJRhasheld
over30CertificatePrograms,andwelcomedmorethan800individualsintotheCJJRFellowsNetwork.
TheFellowsNetworkisdesignedtosupportthedevelopmentofcurrentandfutureleadersworkingto
improveoutcomesforyouthknowntomultiplesystemsofcaresuchasjuvenilejustice,childwelfare,
education,behavioralhealth,andothers.Thisisdonethroughassistanceprovidedbynationalexperts,
membersoftheFellowsNetwork,andCJJRstaff.
Fellows Network participants stay connected through online tools so they can share knowledge and
expertise, discuss reform agendas, and identify resources. Fellows also have exclusive access to the
Fellows Network Website that provides information on past and present Capstone Projects as well as
otherresourcestohelpjurisdictionsmovethereformeffortsforward.
BenefitsofparticipatingintheprogramandbeingintheCJJRFellowsNetworkinclude:
• Instructionfromnationalexpertsoncuttingedgeideas,policies,andpracticesfromacrossthe
country;
• Involvement in an interactive and dynamic learning environment with individuals from across
thecountrywhoshareacommoninterestinenhancingtheirreformsinthisarea;
• Guidanceonhowtousethelearningtodevelopanactionplan(CapstoneProject)toleadefforts
aroundreforminyourorganization,community,andprofession;
• One-on-oneTAfromnationalexpertsontheCapstoneProject;
• ExecutiveCertificatefromGeorgetownUniversity;
• Prioritytoattendfutureprograms,symposia,andforumssponsoredbytheCenterforJuvenile
JusticeReform;and
• OngoingsupportfromstaffoftheCenterandotherCJJRFellows.
IX.ApplicationGuidelines
Submitapplicationsby11:59p.m.(intheapplicant’slocaltimezone)byFriday,May5,2017.
Applicationsmustbecompletedonlineat:
http://cjjr.georgetown.edu/certificate-programs/application-form/.
Key Dates
EveryapplicantmustcompletePartI(ContactInformation,
BiographyandPersonalStatement)andPartIII(Demographic
Friday, May 5, 2017
Information).Thosesubmittingessayresponsesonbehalfoftheir
at 11:59 p.m.
teammustalsocompletePartIIoftheapplication.
(in applicant’s time
zone)
ApplyingforFinancialAssistance:
Application deadline
ThetuitionfortheCertificateProgramis$4,500perperson.This
doesnotincludeanyadditionalcostsforairfare,hotel
Late May
accommodations,andincidentalexpenses.Dinnerwillbeprovided
Notification of
thefirstnightoftheprogram,andbreakfastandlunchwillbe
acceptance
providedthesecondthroughlastdayoftheprogram.
August 7-11
TherearealimitednumberofsubsidiesthroughCJJR’sJanetReno
Certificate Program
Scholarshipsofupto$1,000tosupporttheparticipationof
individualsandteamswithdemonstratedneed.Therewillalsobe
subsidiesavailablethroughCJJRprovidedbytheOfficeofJuvenile
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JusticeandDelinquencyPrevention’sCenterforCoordinatedAssistancetoStatesforteamsthatshowa
heightenedreadinesstoutilizethecurriculumtoundertakechangesintheirlocalcommunity.
Heightenedreadinesswillbeassessedbasedonthefollowingfactors:
• Understandingoftheissues:Athoughtfulunderstandingofissues,suchasspecificpoliciesand
practicesthatremaintobeaddressedinthejuvenilejusticesysteminyourjurisdiction.
• Leadership:Adescriptionofcontributionsteammembershavemadeorareabletomaketo
reformefforts,andtoadvocatingforthisissuetobecomeapriority.
• Capacitytousedatainordertosupportandmeasuretheimpactofreformefforts:Specific
referencestodatadescribingtheissuesidentifiedinyourjurisdiction.
• Familyengagement:Thehistoryof,and/orstrategytopursue,effortstoeffectivelyengage
familiesinordertobetterservetheyouthinyourjurisdiction.
• Efficacy:Adetaileddescriptionofchallengesorbarriersencounteredinpreviousreformefforts,
andanunderstandingofsuccessfulandunsuccessfulstrategiestoeliminatebarriers.
• Capacityandwillingnesstocollaborate(withinyourteamandwithothers):Ananalysisofeach
teammember'srole,influenceandresources,andadescriptionofanyhistoryofsuccessful
collaborationandreformefforts.
• Availableresources:Ananalysisoftheavailableresourceswithinyourjurisdiction,aswellas
capacityandstrategytoobtainresourcestoimplementthereformeffort.
To apply for a subsidy, please submit a statement of financial need with your individual online
application.Thestatementoffinancialneedshouldindicatethespecificamountyouarerequestingas
wellasanyattemptsyouhavemadetoidentifyfundingsourcesthatcouldsupportyourparticipation.
CJJRwillnotconductaseparatereviewofyourfinancialneed,soweencourageyoutoexerciserestraint
inapplyingfortheselimiteddollars,helpingtoensurethattheyareallocatedtothosewiththegreatest
need.
[email protected].
X.Application
http://cjjr.georgetown.edu/certificate-programs/application-form/
PARTI:ContactInformation,ProfessionalBiographyandPersonalStatement
RequiredofALLapplicants.
PARTII:EssayQuestions
RequiredofthosewhohavebeendesignatedtocompletetheEssayportionoftheapplicationonbehalf
oftheirteam.Responsestotheessayquestions(PartII)mustbesubmittedviatheuploadoptiononthe
onlineapplication(followingPartI).Whilethelengthofyourresponsestoeachquestionmayvary,your
essayquestionsasawholeshouldbenomorethan5single-spacedpages.Teamsshouldprepareone
jointsubmissionoftheessayquestions,anddesignateoneteammembertoupload/submitthe
completeddocument.
1. GoalsandObjectives.Pleaseclarifythespecificgoalsandmeasurableobjectivesyourteamhas
withregardtoyourparticipationintheEvidence-BasedDecision-MakingCertificateProgram.If
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youanticipateCapstonereformeffortsstemmingfromtheCertificateProgrambeingassociated
withotherreforminitiatives,pleasedescribehowyouwillcoordinatetheefforts.
2. JurisdictionSizeandJuvenileJusticePopulation
a. Please provide the total population and the population of youth under age 18 in your
jurisdiction. Please also provide demographic information for those under age 18
(gender,raceandethnicity).
b. Howmanyjuvenileoffendersareservedinyourjurisdiction?Pleaseprovidedetailson
thenumberofjuvenileoffendersservedatvariouspointsofthejuvenilejusticesystem
(arrest, petition, probation, commitment, etc.). Also provide demographic information
(gender,raceandethnicity)foryourjuvenilejusticepopulation.
3. DataSystems
a. Pleaseprovideanoverviewofyourdatacollectionsystemandcapacitytoanalyzedata
inbothyourjurisdictionandyourstate.Indicatethebarriersandlimitationsrelatedto
theavailabilityofdataon(1)thetypeofserviceseachjuvenilereceives,(2)theduration
oftheservice(s)received(thelengthoftime,inweeks,monthsoryearsoverwhichthe
service takes place) and (3) the quantity of the service(s) received (the amount of
contacthoursreceived).
4. RiskandNeedsAssessments
a. Pleaseelaborateontheriskandneedsassessment(s)usedinyourjurisdiction,focusing
on any limitations or areas for advancement. If there are variances between what is
used in the jurisdiction and what is used in the state, please explain those differences
andanyplansandtimelinestoreconcilethem.
b. Please briefly summarize the protocols around the use of the risk and needs
assessment(s)inyourjurisdiction.Whatprocessesareusedtoassessyouthandfamily
needs?Howarethescoresincorporatedintocaserecommendations,caseplanningand
casemanagement?Howwidespreadaretheseprotocols?
c. Howlonghastheassessment(s)beeninuse?Whenwasitlastvalidated?
5. ArrayofServicesandSanctions
a. 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 provided
internallyorthroughcontractstootherprovidersoragencies.
b. Please describe how youth are currently assigned to services and sanctions in your
jurisdiction.
6. Please identify the area(s) you believe are strongest and the area(s) most in need of
improvement in relation to implementation of an evidence-based decision-making platform.
(Thepurposeofthisquestionistogainagreaterunderstandingofyourjurisdiction’sstrengths
andparticularTAneeds.)
7. Leadership,ManagementandImplementationTeam
a. Whohasbeenidentifiedtoleadthedata-relatedaspectsofthisproject?Pleaseprovide
theirname,titleandorganization.
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b. ProvidealistoftheteammembersapplyingtotheCertificateProgram,andwhateach
memberwillbringtotheteam.Pleasecommentontheextenttowhichthemembersof
thememberteamhavepreviouslyworkedwithoneanotheronaninitiativeorreform
effort.
PARTIII:DemographicInformation
RequiredofALLapplicants.
XI.AboutthePartners
CenterforJuvenileJusticeReform
Fornearlyadecade,theCenterforJuvenileJusticeReform(CJJR)atGeorgetownUniversity’sMcCourt
SchoolofPublicPolicyhasservedasanationalleaderinidentifyingandhighlightingtheresearchon
policiesandpracticesthatworkbesttoreducedelinquencyandachievebetteroutcomesforchildren.A
centralcomponentofCJJR’sworkistheprovisionofdynamictrainingandTAprogramsdesignedto
supportsystemofficials,partnersandstakeholdersatthestate,countyandlocallevelstoadvance
balanced,multi-systemapproachestoservicedeliveryandsystemimprovement.
Since2008,CJJRhasconducted32CertificateProgramsaimedatbuildingafieldofstrongleaders
dedicatedtojuvenilejusticereform.HostedatGeorgetownUniversity,theintensivetrainingsfocuson
keyareas,suchasReducingRacialandEthnicDisparities,YouthinCustody,Diversion,Multi-System
Integration,andSchool-JusticePartnerships.CJJRstaffandotherfieldexpertsdeliverthetrainings,and
participantsthenapplytheknowledgegainedtodevelopandimplementCapstoneProjects—multisystemreformeffortsgearedtowardspositivelyimpactingthelivesofyouth.Todate,over800program
alumniacross48states,D.C.,PuertoRicoandseveralcountries,comprisetheCJJRFellowsNetwork.
CJJRhasadvancedthefieldthroughthedevelopmentofpublicationsthat,coupledwithcomprehensive
on-sitetrainingandTA,guidereformsatthecasepracticelevel.TheCrossoverYouthPracticeModel
(CYPM)isaresearch-basedmodelthatdescribesspecificpoliciesandpracticesdesignedtoreducethe
numberofyouthwhocrossoverbetweenthechildwelfareandjuvenilejusticesystems,andimprove
outcomesforcrossoveryouth.Since2010,CJJRhasworkedwithover95countiesin22statesto
implementtheCYPM.UsingthesuccessfulCYPMasaguide,CJJR,inpartnershipwiththeCouncilof
JuvenileCorrectionalAdministrators,recentlylaunchedtheYouthinCustodyPracticeModel(YICPM)
Initiative,aprojectdesignedtoprovidestateandcountyjuvenilecorrectionalagencieswithguidanceon
essentialpracticesincaseplanning,facility-basedservices,transition/reentryandcommunity-based
services.CJJRisworkingwithfourjurisdictionsaroundtheU.S.toimplementtheYICPM.
CJJRhaspartneredwithOJJDPandotherorganizationsonvarioustrainingandTAinitiatives.CJJRisa
partneronOJJDP’sCenterforCoordinatedAssistancetoStates,whichdeliverstrainingandTAtostates,
communities,territoriesandtribalunitslookingtomaximizetheeffectivenessoftheirjuvenilejustice
systemandbetterserveyouth.Aspartofthiswork,CJJRleadstheMulti-SystemCollaborationTraining
andTechnicalAssistanceProgram,adistance-learningprogramthathasassistednearly20jurisdictions
toenhancecross-systemcommunicationandcollaboration.
CJJRhasalsopartneredwithOJJDPandVanderbiltUniversitytoadministertheJuvenileJusticeReform
andReinvestmentInitiative(JJRRI),aprogramthataidsstatestoimprovetheirsystemoperationsusing
theStandardizedProgramEvaluationProtocol.ThisprogramisinspiredbyCJJR’sJuvenileJusticeSystem
Improvement Project (JJSIP), which utilizes Dr. Mark Lipsey’s research on effective juvenile justice
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programs and OJJDP’s Comprehensive Strategy for Serious, Violent and Chronic Juvenile Offenders as
developedbyDr.JamesC.HowellandJohnWilsontoofferaframeworkforimprovingpractice.CJJRis
servingsevenstatesthroughJJJRRIandJJSIP.Theseeffortstohelpstatesimproveoutcomesforsysteminvolvedyouthbybettertranslatingknowledgeon"whatworks"intoeverydaypracticeandpolicyform
thebasisfortheEvidence-BasedDecision-MakingCertificateProgram.
FormoreontheCenter’swork,visithttp://cjjr.georgetown.edu/
PeabodyResearchInstituteatVanderbiltUniversity
ThemissionofthePeabodyResearchInstitute(PRI)atVanderbiltUniversityistoconductactionable
researchaimedatimprovingtheeffectivenessofprogramsforchildren,youth,andfamilies.Usingfield
research,programevaluation,andresearchsynthesis,thePRIfacultyandstaffaddressquestionsabout
whethersuchprogramsareactuallymakingadifferenceinthelivesofthepeopletheyserve.Theresults
ofthatresearcharethensharedwithpolicymakersandpractitioners,whoareoftenpartnersinthe
research,inordertoinformprogramdevelopment,selection,andimprovement.Aparticularfocusof
thePRIworkisfindingwaystobridgebetweenresearchandpracticewithtoolsandguidelinesthat
translateresearchintoformsthatmakeitsimplicationsaccessibleforpracticalapplication.
PRIhashadalongandsuccessfulhistorypartneringwithGeorgetown'sCJJRtopromoteevidence-based
sustainablejuvenilejusticereforminstateandlocalsystemsutilizingoneoftheresourcesavailable
throughPRI—theStandardizedProgramEvaluationProtocol(SPEP™).TheSPEP™isavalidated,datadrivenassessmentschemefordetermininghowwellalocalprogramorserviceforjuvenileoffenders
matchestheprofileofcharacteristicsfoundtobeassociatedwithrecidivismreductionsinalargebody
ofevaluationresearchevidencecompiledbyDr.MarkLipseyandhiscolleaguesoverthelast30years.
TrainingandtechnicalassistancematerialstoguideSPEPTMimplementationinjuvenilejusticesystems
havebeendevelopedbyDr.GabrielleLynnChapman,whohasworkedwithDr.LipseyonSPEPTM
disseminationfornearlyadecade.StartingwithapilotstudyinNorthCarolinain2002,theSPEP™has
nowbeenimplementedinmultiplejuvenilejusticesystemsintheU.S.and,mostrecently,inAustralia.
WorkcontinuesatPRItoaddnewevaluationstudiestothedatabaseandupdatetheSPEPtoensure
thatitremainscloselyalignedwiththefullbodyofevidenceoneffectiveinterventionsforjuvenile
offenders.
FormoreonthejuvenilejusticeworkatthePeabodyResearchInstitute,visit
http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/research/pri/andhttps://my.vanderbilt.edu/spep/spep-information/
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