Our Research
What We Study
We conduct applied research on criminal and juvenile justice, mental health, and substance use decision-making and outcomes. Our work analyzes patterns of arrest, referral, and system contact; access to mental health and substance use treatment; and differences in urban and rural crime and justice responses.
We focus on how policies and practices shape long-term outcomes, translating rigorous analysis into actionable insights for sustained system improvement.
Expert Consulting
What We Consult On
We provide expert consulting in justice, mental health, and substance use. We work with organizations, educational institutions, and media partners to deliver research-informed training, technical assistance, strategic planning, operational support, and policy analysis.
Our consulting also extends to television and film, where we serve as subject-matter experts to support accurate, ethical, and realistic portrayals of justice and behavioral health systems.
Parent Pal
How We Support Families
Parent Pal is an evidence-informed support service designed to help parents and caregivers navigate challenges related to youth behavior, mental health, and system involvement. Services include individual coaching sessions, practical guidance grounded in developmental and behavioral research, and a complimentary introductory support call.
Parent Pal operates with a strong emphasis on confidentiality, respect, and family-centered support.
Click on parent-pal.com to get started!
AAJJRS
How We Advance Research
The American Association of Juvenile Justice Researchers & Scholars (AAJJRS) advances and disseminates research on juvenile justice, delinquency prevention, and youth victimization.
AAJJRS supports a diverse community of researchers, scholars, practitioners, and students committed to evidence-based approaches and rigorous scholarship in juvenile justice. AAJJRS fosters collaboration, professional development, and engagement through publications, events, podcasts, and blogs. AAJJRS also publishes a public-facing Substack that shares research-informed insights on juvenile justice with audiences beyond the academic community.
To learn more about AAJJRS and join, click on aajjrs.org.
Police Oversight Boards
What We Advise
We have experience supporting and engaging with police oversight and accountability boards. This work includes advising on policy development, governance structures, and accountability processes, as well as engagement with disciplinary review and oversight functions.
Knowledge Sharing
What We Will Share
We are expanding our efforts to make research and expertise more accessible to communities, practitioners, and policymakers.
- Ask an Expert
We will soon launch free public sessions where participants can ask subject-matter experts about criminal justice, juvenile justice, mental health, and substance use issues. These sessions are designed to translate complex topics into practical, accessible guidance. Stay tuned.
- Infographics and Factsheets
We develop research-informed infographics and fact sheets to support planning, education, and policy development in criminal and juvenile justice, mental health, and substance use. Custom infographics are also available upon request to meet community and organizational needs.
- Podcast on Mental Health
We will soon launch a podcast focused on mental health, featuring conversations with leading experts. Episodes will explore topics such as the classification of mental disorders, evidence-based treatments, case management, holistic and group-based approaches, and emerging practices. Stay tuned.