Overview: This session provides an overview of the Nebraska Detention RAI Validation Study, including the study’s intent, approach, general findings, and proposed recommendations.
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Presenters:
Zachary Hamilton, Ph.D. is a Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice and Director of the Advancing Research in Corrections (ARC) Lab at the University of Nebraska - Omaha. His research centers on innovation in risk and needs assessment development. Dr. Hamilton works directly with justice agencies to create state-of-the art assessment tools. Specifically, he has developed the Static Risk Offender Needs Guide – Revised (STRONG-R) for adult correctional populations, the Modified Positive Achievement Change Tool (MPACT) for youth, and working with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) he developed the Prisoner Assessment Tool Targeting Estimated Risk and Needs (PATTERN) to be used as part of the First Step Act (FSA). To support the work of correctional agencies, he has also evaluated existing tools, including the Static-99, Public Safety Assessment, Ohio Risk Assessment, and is currently the evaluator for the LS/CMI in Minnesota. He has published over 50 journal articles, chapters, and books on risk and needs assessment, evidence-based practices, and correctional program efficacy. His work in developing risk-needs assessments were recently recognized by the American Society of Criminology, awarding him the 2023 Differential Intervention Award.
Monica Miles-Steffens, MPA, has over 25 years of experience in juvenile justice, policy, training, and leadership development. She has experience leading organizations and system change initiatives in both government and non-profit sectors. In her role as the Assistant Director at the Juvenile Justice Institute (JJI) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, she leads the training and technical assistance activities of the institute. She is the lead developer of the Juvenile Justice and Foundations of Restorative Justice Practices Micro-credential Certificate Programs. Monica is on the core team providing nationwide training and technical assistance for the OJJDP Continuum of Care Planning Initiative through JBS International. In her role, she also provides project management oversight for multiple research initiatives. Monica has a passion for restorative practices, is a trained mediator and restorative conferencing facilitator, and committed to expanding the use of these essential practices.