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Incarceration-based approaches to illegal gun possession have not proven effective at reducing gun violence, and they have created dramatic racial disparities. Within this context, a small number of jurisdictions have developed prosecutor-led gun diversion programs (PLGDPs), which offer diversion from prosecution and an opportunity to engage in community-based services with a common goal of reducing illegal gun possession. The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that contribute to illegal gun possession among PLGDP participants, and the extent to which PLGDP programming addresses these complex factors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 PLGDP stakeholders (8 PLGDP participants, 15 prosecutors, and 9 service providers), and qualitative analyses identified themes related to illegal gun possession and PLGDP programming connections and disconnections. Findings indicate that safety concerns related to structural issues of community violence are a primary factor driving gun possession among PLGDP participants. While PLGDPs were viewed as having some benefits, disconnects in PLGDP programming centered on assumptions made about the target population and the limitations of individual-level interventions to curb gun violence. If PLGDPs are to have an impact on gun violence, trauma-focused approaches must be incorporated, and efforts should be made to better understand and address environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the prevalence and types of criminal justice content being offered in Council on Social Work Education programs. Data were collected through questions sent via e-mail to program administrators and content analysis of school websites for three hundred and eight MSW programs. Criminal justice content was measured in three main areas: (a) dual- or joint-degree options, (b) concentrations or specializations, and (c) courses. The results show that most MSW programs do not cover criminal justice content. Less than one-fourth of programs had a dual-degree or joint-degree program (n=54, 17.5%), a specialization or concentration (n=17, 5.5%), or a course specific to criminal justice (n=74, 24%). Social work education must do more to include criminal justice content in its MSW programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the extent to which criminal justice content is addressed in all CSWE-accredited MSW programs in the United States ("N"?=?192). Criminal justice content was measured in three areas: (1) dual or joint degree programs, (2) concentrations or specializations, and (3) coursework. Excluding social work and law classes, 22% of all MSW programs offered a course specific to criminal justice. Nine programs (5%) offered a concentration or specialization in criminal justice. Only 1% of MSW programs offered all three areas of criminal justice content. These findings indicate that opportunities for MSW students to explore interests in criminal justice are quite limited. Implications for the influence of the social work profession on criminal justice policy and practice are discussed. (Contains 4 tables.)

Prosecutors' offices are a critical site for criminal legal reform and decarceration efforts. Prosecutor-led diversion programs (PLDPs) are a prosecutorial innovation that process cases away from punitive prosecution and, instead, offer various services and supports. Successfully completing a PLDP results in the dismissal of the charge, which helps participants to avoid formal entry into the criminal legal system and a range of collateral consequences. This paper reports findings from over 11,000 participants in six PLDPs in three Midwestern jurisdictions, and examines race/ethnicity and charge characteristics associated with successful program completion and case dismissal. Findings indicate that PLDPs have the capacity to provide alternative processing to a large volume of defendants with high completion rates, although the likelihood of racial/ethnic minorities to successfully complete the program is mixed. PLDPs are discussed as a promising policy and programmatic innovation that can help to move away from an era of mass incarceration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through in-depth interviews, this study examined the relational context of sexual HIV risk for 10 Black women aged 18-30 who were defendants in a community court setting. A qualitative data analysis identified themes of actual and feared intimate partner violence(IPV) and the expectations of demonstrating trust in a relationship as obstacles to negotiating the use of condoms. The findings speak to the broader structural factors and consequences of IPV and drug use. The article discusses the implications for HIV prevention for Black women who are involved in the criminal justice system. Keywords: Black women offenders; criminal justice system; sexual HIV risk

Although bail reform reduces jail census, whether or not its effects extend to incarcerated individuals with mental illness is unknown. Using a novel high-sensitivity measure of serious mental illness (SMI) from jailbased electronic health records, we conducted an interrupted time series analysis assessing the impact of Illinois bail reform on total jail registrations and the nested subset with SMI – co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD). Compared with a decline in total jail registrations, admission of individuals with SMI – SUD showed no decline. Consequently, the proportion of admissions involving SMI increased between 2015 and 2019 from 26% to 35%. Intentional efforts involving cooperation by the health, social services, and justice sectors are needed to translate the impact of bail reform onto the population experiencing SMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the concept of "Smart Decarceration" and introduces the special issue of Criminal Justice and Behavior entitled "Research to Advance Smart Decarceration Policies, Programs, and Interventions." The concept of Smart Decarceration originated nearly a decade ago as the United States reached a tipping point in mass incarceration, and it focuses on three interrelated outcomes: substantially reducing the use of incarceration and other forms of punishment; reversing racial disparities and other inequities in the criminal justice system; and promoting safety and well-being, particularly for communities that have been most impacted by mass incarceration. Ultimately, Smart Decarceration efforts should prioritize reducing the overall footprint of the criminal justice system, while building capacity outside of the system to support safety, health, and well-being. Research plays a critical role in advancing Smart Decarceration, as new forms of knowledge and evidence must be developed to replace ineffective and unjust policies and practices associated with mass incarceration. The paper discusses approaches to research that move beyond typical criminal justice outcomes and focus on the multifaceted goals of Smart Decarceration. The six articles in this special issue are introduced, highlighting their foci across ecological levels and the breadth of the criminal justice continuum, centering populations most impacted by incarceration, and identifying practice and policy innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of specialized interventions depends in part on the target population and whether those selected for admission to interventions (i.e., specialized programs) and recruited to participate in research evaluations are representative of the target population. This article describes the process by which clients were selected to participate in a specialized mental health caseload (SMHC). The study focuses on the referral and selection process at the program level and the factors influencing acceptance and rejection. Using a mixed methods approach, we found that selection was guided by a three-stage process: The first was a general education phase, followed by an informal pre-screening stage, and finally a formal screening stage. Once clients were referred, client selection was informed principally by the program’s formal criteria. Informal processes appeared consistent with the formal selection criteria. Further research is necessary to assess potential bias prior to the formal referral process. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article evaluates that efforts and effects of specialized probation services for probationers with mental illnesses (PROMI). Probation officers (POs) have to address issues when observing PROMI including standard supervision, and PO supervision styles, which drove formation of specialized probation programs for PROMI. Various elements of specialized probation programs include exclusive caseloads, officer training, and resource integration.