Random forest modeling techniques represent an improvement over the methodologies of traditional risk prediction instruments. Random forests allow for the inclusion of a large number of predictors, the use of a variety of different data sources, the expansion of assessments beyond binary outcomes, and taking the costs of different types of forecasting errors into account when constructing a new model. This study explores the application of random forest statistical learning techniques to a criminal risk forecasting system, which is now used to classify adult probationers by the level of risk they pose to the community. To download this report, click here.

This Georgetown University Human Rights Institute report is the product of interviews with over 100 stakeholders — including students, teach- ers, administrators, probation officers, education advocates, and many others — in Los Angeles, California, all of whom were interviewed in January of 2012. These interviews tell the stories of students who were unable to access education after being removed from school, often for disci- plinary reasons. To download the report, click here.

This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) resource kit informs health care providers and prevention specialists about the health experiences of LGBT populations. Understanding the health issues of LGBT individuals is a significant step in improving access to care and the quality of behavioral health services. To download the resource kit, click here.

As part of the Public Safety Performance Project's work with states to improve public safety and control corrections costs, the Pew Center on the States collaborated with two of the nation's leading polling firms, The Mellman Group and Public Opinion Strategies, to explore public opinion on sentencing and corrections issues across the country. The firms conducted a national survey of 1,200 likely voters to measure underlying attitudes and support for specific policy changes. To download the summary findings, click here.

From the perspective of the nation’s professional prison chaplains, America’s state penitentiaries are a bustle of religious activity. More than seven-in-ten (73%) state prison chaplains say that efforts by inmates to proselytize or convert other inmates are either very common (31%) or somewhat common (43%). About three-quarters of the chaplains say that a lot (26%) or some (51%) religious switching occurs among inmates in the prisons where they work. Many chaplains report growth from religious switching in the numbers of Muslims and Protestant Christians, in particular. To download this report from the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, click here.

This National Institute of Justice report examines the impact of that an alternative sentencing bill implemented in Kansas in 2003 has had on diversion, recidivism rates, and overall prison populations. It then chronicles the process of implementing the law and the impact that it has has on the work routines of criminal justice system staff. The publication provides a set of recommendations for the effective implementation of diversion programs in other jurisdictions. To download the executive summary, click here. To download the full report, click here.

Using available data describing 196 frequent users identified by the District of Columbia Frequent Users Service Enhancement Pilot Program, this Urban Institute brief provides an overview of the characteristics, needs, and jail and shelter use costs of frequent users in the District of Columbia (DC). UI estimates that, on average, each frequent user costs the DC government approximately $8,607 a year through their jail and shelter use alone. To inform future policies and practices, this brief presents the potential cost savings to the DC government of reducing jail and shelter use through supportive housing, based on the success of a supportive housing program based in another large city. To download this publication, click here.

This National Institute of Corrections guide explains how to implement motivational interviewing (MI) in correctional settings. Motivational Interviewing is a counseling technique that enables people to get beyond their reluctance to change problem behaviors. MI is directive (focused on goals), client-centered, and non-confrontational. To download the guide, click here.

This report from the Sentencing Project highlights 55 reforms in 29 states and documents a growing trend to reform sentencing policies and scale back the use of imprisonment without compromising public safety. The report provides an overview of recent policy reforms in the areas of sentencing, probation and parole, collateral consequences, and juvenile justice. To download the report, click here.

This report includes new data Human Rights Watch developed from a variety of federal and state sources that document dramatic increases in the number of older US prisoners. To download this report, click here.

The first issue of this two-part series, by the Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network, explored key differences between treating adolescents and adults, and ways in which clinical interventions and service delivery should be redesigned to meet adolescents' unique needs. This issue highlights specific evidence-based screening, assessment and treatment strategies. To read the report, click here.

This report presents the final results of the evaluation of the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO). CEO is one of four sites in the Enhanced Services for the Hard-to-Employ Demonstration and Evaluation Project, sponsored by the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), with additional funding from the U.S. Department of Labor. MDRC, a nonprofit, nonpartisan social and education policy research organization, lead the evaluation, in collaboration with the Urban Institute and other partners. To download the report, click here.

Across the country, professionals in the criminal justice and victim service systems are working to improve the collection of crime victim restitution. This online toolkit, developed by the National Center for Victims of Crime, is designed to build on the experience of those professionals, to capture practical and immediately useful resources for other practitioners. To view the toolkit, please click here.

On January 5, 2012, the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) released a new report on youth in the adult criminal justice system, "You're An Adult Now: Youth in the Adult Criminal Justice Systems," authored by Jason Ziedenberg. The report addresses the information gap in how adult corrections systems are managing the youth offenders in adult jails, adult prisons and community corrections. To download the report, click here.