Local planning efforts have identified the problem of low levels of treatment success among criminal justice population, due in part to a lack of evidence-based programming among treatment providers, as well as the absence of a validated system for treatment matching. The resulting high rates of recidivism are a public safety hazard as well as a considerable burden on the limited resources of the local criminal justice system. Furthermore, there is no systematic process for assessing the effectiveness of local services and providing service providers a road map for enhancing responsivity.
Request to use of the RNR Simulation Tool developed by Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence at George Mason University. The County is looking to better match probationers with treatment and intervention services and increase the effectiveness and responsivity of existing service providers. The request was referred to George Mason University.
Local planning efforts have identified the problem of low levels of treatment success among criminal justice population, due in part to a lack of evidence-based programming among treatment providers, as well as the absence of a validated system for treatment matching. The resulting high rates of recidivism are a public safety hazard as well as a considerable burden on the limited resources of the local criminal justice system. Furthermore, there is no systematic process for assessing the effectiveness of local services and providing service providers a road map for enhancing responsivity.
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a:28:{s:32:"field_what_event_has_occurred_th";s:577:"The implementation of AB 109 State Prison Realignment has created an opportunity to develop a network of community-based service providers to address criminogenic needs of offenders at high risk for recidivism. The selection of a new risk assessment tool has left the Probation Department without a clear methodology for prioritizing needs and matching offenders with treatment and intervention services. The findings of the Justice Reinvestment Initiative highlighted the extent to which treatment failure is responsible for justice system costs and compromises public safety.";s:32:"field_what_do_you_want_to_achiev";s:144:"Full implementation of the RNR Simulation tool, including data merging, service provider assessment, and web-based objective treatment matching.";s:32:"field_what_will_happen_if_this_n";s:168:"Higher rates of recidivism, criminal activity and justice system costs that limit the ability of corrections, courts and probation to implement evidence-based practice.";s:32:"field_what_is_the_gap_between_wh";s:363:"Agency assessment is currently based on service utilization and completion rates, with no systematic quality assurance regarding practices shown to be effective with the justice system population. Referrals for service are based on probation officer knowledge and judgment. All stakeholders are prepared to address this through the requested technical assistance.";s:32:"field_do_you_have_any_data_to_su";s:218:"In 2009-2010, the top offense types among persons entering jail are: local ordinance violation (26%); DUI (16%); and drug use/possession (15%). Drug use/possession was the single largest user of jail bed days (26,000).";s:32:"field_have_there_been_previous_a";s:254:"A Drug Court program has been established, but this program works with a very limited number of offenders per year. Prop 36 showed mixed success, but funding for treatment has been eliminated and there are no longer any services attached to the program.";s:32:"field_have_you_sought_tta_before";s:3:"No.";s:32:"field_who_will_assume_leadership";s:316:"Bill Penny, Adult Division Director, will provide overall supervision for this TTA in order to integrate it within the various priorities and initiatives of the department. Day-to-day operations, including communications, scheduling and documentation, will be handled by Andrew Davis, Senior Administrative Analyst.";s:32:"field_how_did_you_learn_about_nt";s:130:"Our Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI) consultant with the Crime and Justice Institute recommended that we submit this request.";s:32:"field_what_are_your_organization";s:535:"As a result of State Prison Realignment, our department is in a leadership position both within the criminal justice system and within the network of community service providers that address the criminogenic needs of offenders. We convene the Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) that has engaged a broad coalition of organizations, individuals and policy-makers in the work of justice system reform. Through our JRI we have objective data regarding the functioning of the local justice system, its cost drivers and areas of need.";s:32:"field_what_are_organization_s_we";s:256:"In order to implement the intended system in time to be a part of planning for the coming year, we have very little time before TA needs to begin. Ideally the TA provider will begin to meet with key stakeholders as soon as the next CCP meeting in March. ";s:32:"field_what_opportunities_does_th";s:512:"In implementing State Prison Realignment, our department has established a new and comprehensive Service Provider Network, currently comprised on 17 community-based agencies and organizations that are contracted to provide specific services relating to the assessed reentry needs of offenders. Training, technical assistance and quality assurance are all key elements of this new service delivery system. Implementation of the requested TA has the full support of all service providers and system stakeholders.";s:32:"field_what_are_the_challenges_th";s:294:"The primary challenges are logistical: scheduling meetings with service providers and training/quality assurance with probation officers. There may be unknown technical and procedural challenges to accessing and manipulating local data in order to operationalize the simulation model locally.";s:32:"field_how_will_this_technical_as";s:161:"This technical assistance will allow for the local implementation of the RNR Simulation Tool, which is expected to decrease treatment failure among probationers.";s:32:"field_what_is_your_overarching_g";s:214:"The requested technical assistance is expected to contribute to lower rates of recidivism among individuals on probation and community supervision, with accompanying gains in public safety and reduced system costs.";s:32:"field_please_list_at_least_two_o";s:407:"1. Implement more systematic and accurate matching of probationers with treatment and intervention services that address their top criminogenic needs and that reflect their specific needs for responsivity.
2. Increase the effectiveness and responsivity of existing service providers in working with the justice system population, as well as better identifying critical service gaps for this population.
";s:32:"field_as_a_result_of_this_tta_wh";s:460:"There will be a clear and systematic process for linking offender assessment and service planning, enabling probation officers to make referrals based on clear needs and responsivity criteria. Results from agency assessments will be used by providers to improve their program design and staff capacity to better meet the needs of the criminal justice population. The CCP will utilize objective data to base its funding decisions and capacity-building efforts.";s:32:"field_who_will_be_participating_";s:274:"Probation staff and managers from agencies and organizations that have been selected for the AB 109 Service Provider Network. Many of these agencies are also under contract to provide services to the general criminal justice population, both in custody and in the community";s:32:"field_what_do_participants_need_";s:288:"Clear information regarding the nature of the RNR simulation tool; assurance that candid self-assessment will be rewarded; adequate time to complete surveys and other information collection; and access to resources for program improvement, including staff training and policy development.";s:32:"field_what_activities_experience";s:334:"The project will start with a face-to-face meeting between Dr. Faye Taxman, developer of the RNR Simulation Tool, and the managers of participating organizations. This meeting will allow Dr. Taxman to thoroughly explain the tool, respond to questions and concerns, and customize elements of implementation to better serve local needs.";s:32:"field_who_supports_you_in_this_e";s:567:"The primary supports for this technical assistance request are policy-level staff from the County Probation Department, the County Alcohol and Drug Program, and the County Sheriff. Additional support comes from the justice system stakeholders participating in the Justice Reinvestment Initiative and those that are part of the Community Corrections Partnership. This includes the Presiding Superior Court Judge, the District Attorney, the Public Defender, law enforcement chiefs, the County Administrative Officer, and a variety of community-based service providers.";s:32:"field_who_are_key_stakeholders_i";s:176:"The Chief Probation Officer, the Adult Probation Division Director, the County Alcohol and Drug Administrator, and the Chief Deputy Sheriff in charge of the Corrections Bureau.";s:32:"field_who_are_key_stakeholders_p";s:134:"The Adult Probation Assistant Division Director, the Senior Departmental Administrative Analyst, and the Departmental Systems Analyst.";s:32:"field_who_are_key_stakeholders_o";s:463:"Executive Directors of the following agencies and organizations: Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz, Homeless Service Center, Janus of Santa Cruz, New Life Community Services, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, Santa Cruz Community Counseling Center, Sobriety Works, Watsonville Law Center, the Walnut Avenue Women’s Center, and Watsonville/Aptos Adult Education ";s:32:"field_how_open_are_the_key_stake";s:3:"N/A";s:32:"field_are_there_any_local_govern";s:217:"The County Board of Supervisors are kept informed through regular reports and representation at the CCP. A letter of notification will be sent to our the Representatives from the 14th and 17th Congressional Districts.";s:32:"field_how_will_your_organization";s:227:"Funding and staff support will come from AB 109 administrative funding (approximately 2-3% of total funding) as well as Phase II implementation resources expected to become available through the Justice Reinvestment Initiative.";s:32:"field_what_other_resources_do_yo";s:241:"The Probation Department has meeting space, administrative and logistical staff support, data analysis and information systems staffing. In addition, in-kind support may be available if needed through AB 109 start-up and training resources.";}