Research
Explore our library of research products including academic publications, reports on research and outcomes, policy briefs, videos of webinars, animations, and more. Research products are organized by initiative and/or by type, with the most recent items at the top of the list. Search by topic with the search bar at the top of the page.
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August 2023Creating the best possible youth justice systemThis report reviews the change management process the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice facilitated for the Wayne County Third Circuit Court. The process sought to include strategic facilitation, strong community leadership and a building of collaboration among key partners who hold different perspectives.Youth justiceReport
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June 2023Spatiotemporal Analysis Exploring the Effect of Law Enforcement Drug Market Disruptions on Overdose, Indianapolis, Indiana, 2020 2021This study examined how enforcement efforts to disrupt local drug markets by seizing opioids or stimulants were associated with increased spatiotemporal clustering of overdose events in the surrounding geographic area. A retrospective, population-based cohort study using administrative data from Marion County, Indiana was conducted. Within 7, 14, and 21 days, opioid-related law enforcement drug seizures were significantly associated with increased spatiotemporal clustering of overdoses within radii of 100, 250, and 500 meters. To a lesser extent, stimulant-related drug seizures were associated with increased spatiotemporal clustering overdose.Harm reductionPublication
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June 2023Summer 2023 NewsletterSchool of Social Work Dean and Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Founding Director Sheryl Kubiak is among the activists and artists featured in the Free Your Mind: Art and Incarceration in Michigan exhibition, on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD); Risk-Needs-Responsivity intervention for youth justice; and more.DiversionReentryTreatment ecosystemsYouth justiceCrisis responseNewsletter
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June 2023Community overdose surveillance: Fentanyl involvement in overdose deaths in rural MichiganThis publication describe toxicology results from overdose deaths that occurred between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020, in 11 rural counties in Michigan, a state with relatively high rates of overdose mortality. The number of observed overdose deaths increased considerably from 2019 to 2020, with an increase of 72.4%. Fentanyl was the most common substance detected and had a 94% increase during the three-year period to present in 70% of all the deaths in these counties in 2020. Among the deaths we examined where cocaine was detected, 69% also contained fentanyl, and in deaths where methamphetamine was detected, 77% also contained fentanyl.OtherPublication
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April 2023What is a disposition matrix?A disposition matrix is a tool used to guide decisions about the best way to hold youth accountable for their unlawful behavior, while also supporting the youth's chance for success. The matrix incorporates data-driven best practices and is designed to ensure that youth receive the most appropriate level of supervision and services based on the seriousness of the offense and their risk of recidivism.Youth justicePolicy brief
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April 2023The Risk-Needs-Responsivity approachThe Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) approach is an evidence-based intervention for youth who engage in delinquent behaviors. It is centered on the principle that the risk factors and needs of the youth should determine the appropriate strategies for addressing the factors that underline the delinquent behavior. The RNR approach focuses on rehabilitative interventions that target dynamic factors known to contribute to delinquent behavior. The approach is based on three key principles: risk, need and responsivity.Youth justicePolicy brief
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April 2023Best practices in juvenile justiceThe most effective interventions for youth take into account how brain development impacts youth's behaviors and decision-making impulses. What appears to be increasingly impulsive and delinquent behaviors may instead be developmentally appropriate thinking that will mature over time as the youth goes through adolescence. Research has shown that most youth who exhibit impulsive and sometimes delinquent acts do not carry these behaviors into adulthood. Given the right amount of positive support, even youth who are at high risk of recidivism can be redirected toward a healthy and successful developmental pathway.Youth justicePolicy brief
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March 2023The impact of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training on police use of forceThis study examined the level of force used by Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and non-CIT officers responding to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis (N = 382). Level of force was coded using National Institute of Justice (2009) strategy, least to most lethal. Analyses examined differences in officers’ use of force by CIT-training status and citizen characteristics. Results indicated CIT-trained officers were less likely to use any level of force and more likely to use the lowest level of force, compared to non-CIT-trained officers. CIT-trained officers were significantly less likely to escalate to higher levels of force, utilizing the lowest level of force more often.DiversionPublication
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March 2023Harm reduction for behavioral health practitionersHarm reduction practices are becoming more popular in the United States, with many federal and state budgets allotting funding for the expansion of programs that apply these principles. While applying harm reduction principles is not a new practice, it has not been widely accepted or used in the United States in community-based settings until relatively recently. This webinar aims to educate participants about what harm reduction is, how to apply the concepts in agencies' service delivery, and the benefits for the individual, agency, and wider community when utilized. This webinar is for anyone who may benefit from this basic primer on harm reduction in community-based settings. Presenters include Mindy Vincent (Executive Director, Utah Harm Reduction Coalition), Joshua McLenithan (Lead Peer Recovery Coach, The Grand Rapids Red Project) and Emily Pasman (PhD Candidate, Wayne State University School of Social Work)Harm reductionVideo
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February 2023Substance Use and Violence Victimization Among Women: A Review of Relevant LiteratureA review of the recent scientific literature on the relationship between substance use and violence victimization among women in the United States is presented. Systematic review methodology adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses guidelines. In total, 15 studies were identified that met inclusion criteria. There is substantial evidence suggesting substance use (e.g., severity of use, types of substances used) is associated with women's violent victimization histories. Evidence suggests that women are uniquely situated in illicit drug markets and other illicit economies in a manner that increases their risk for violent victimization. The strengths and shortcomings of current theoretical explanations of substance use and violence victimization are discussed, as well as considerations for future research and interventions.Treatment ecosystemsPublication