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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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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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 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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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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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
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February 2023Harm reduction for people who use drugsHarm reduction is a philosophy and set of policies and practices centered on any positive change for a person using drugs, as expressed and defined by them. It meets people where they are and empowers them to address the reasons for their use as well as the use itself. Harm reduction is a mindset, human rights issue, and framework for action to reduce the harmful effects of drug use and any risky behavior, and does not promote these activities in and of themselves. This brief answers the question 'Why harm reduction?' and reviews evidence-based practices to reduce harm for people who use drugs.Harm reductionPolicy brief
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January 2023CareConnect 360: Enhancing safety for jails and justice-involved patientsCareConnect360 (CC360) is a web application that contains Medicaid data for physical and behavioral health services created with the goal of improving coordination of care for Medicaid beneficiaries by providing a platform for cross-system information to be accessed. This brief describes how to use CC360 within a jail, what types of data are available, and future system improvements.OtherPolicy brief
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January 2023From crisis to care: Michigan's evolving behavioral health ecosystemWhen someone experiences a mental health emergency, our response can provide a pathway to treatment or exacerbate their challenges. Michigan has made progress in helping people in crisis access integrated, high-quality care—and we have much further to go. During this webinar, key leaders on the forefront of this work talked about how state and local agencies, providers, and communities are partnering on whole system responses, ensuring those in need have someone to call, someone to respond, and a place to go.Crisis responseVideo