Research and Professional Services
Our Research
We conduct applied research on justice systems, behavioral health, and substance use systems, focusing on how policies, practices, and decision-making processes shape individual and system-level outcomes.
Our work examines patterns of arrest, referral, diversion, and system contact; access to mental health and substance use treatment and services; youth and adult justice system involvement; and variation in justice responses across urban, suburban, and rural communities.
We analyze how systems operate in practice, including where disparities, service gaps, implementation challenges, and coordination barriers emerge, and translate rigorous research into actionable insights.
Expert Consulting
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.
Our Areas of Impact
Parent Pal
Parent Pal is an evidence-informed support service designed to help parents and caregivers navigate challenges related to youth behavior, mental health, and involvement with the system. 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
The American Association of Juvenile Justice Researchers & Scholars (AAJJRS) advances and disseminates research on juvenile justice, 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.
