2024-03-28T18:14:32Z
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/do/oai/
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:dissertations-6606
2019-05-15T23:11:14Z
publication:dissertations
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Mentally disordered sex offenders: A comparison with other sex offenders on clinical and legal factors
Scalora, Mario Joseph
Mentally disordered sex offender (MDSO) or sexual psychopath statutes are dispositional options for courts to divert mentally disordered persons convicted of sexually motivated acts into the mental health system. The purpose of this study is to investigate the current implementation of the Nebraska MDSO statute by replicating, with modification, prior MDSO studies in order to assess: (1) the impact of procedural reform upon the implementation of the Nebraska MDSO statute, (2) the result of extending such an analysis to include clinical, developmental, and legal factors not systematically studied in prior research, and (3) the factors influencing decisions made by significant actors in the process in order to assess the validity of the assumptions underlying MDSO statutes that those offenders likely to re-commit sexually dangerous acts can be systematically identified and treated. Archival analysis was performed on the mental health, correctional, and court records of 76 offenders adjudicated MDSO and 127 convicted felony sex offenders not adjudicated to be MDSO. For the purpose of multivariate analysis, the groups were matched on the basis of sentencing judge and year of disposition. Discriminant analysis of judicial disposition indicates that judges were most strongly influenced by mental health professionals' opinions in determining MDSO status. Multivariate analysis of mental health professional opinions indicate that, compared to the nonMDSO sample, MDSOs are more likely to have: victimized children, more extensive prior sex crime history, participated in deviant sexual activity in the past, been sexually abused as children, and utilized less aggressive methods in perpetrating the crime. The results obtained are consistent with prior research in suggesting that MDSO statutes are focused toward child molesters and habitual sex offenders. These findings suggest that mental health evaluations are utilized more to "medicalize" the commitment of habitual criminals rather than address amenability to treatment.
1989-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI8925259
ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln
ENG
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Psychotherapy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1000
2006-05-18T14:38:45Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Results for Nebraska, Models for the Nation
The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center has impacted policy-relevant change throughout the state and in national policy efforts as well. Here’s a quick look at some of our outcomes “by the numbers” over the past three years: • Administered Minority and Justice Initiative, which, among other reforms, brought about the passage of two Nebraska state laws to improve the representativeness of juries. • Awarded $1.5 million to organizations involved in providing behavioral health services to Nebraskans. • Trained nearly 600 school personnel, health care professionals, faith leaders, and community members to provide psychological first-aid services in response to disasters. • Developed comprehensive disaster preparedness curricula for hospitals that are being utilized in Nebraska and five other states. • Hosted the ne211.org Web site, which received 14,061 visits during its first six months of operation and provides users with information on 3,788 community programs. • Created consensus for one comprehensive plan to exchange health information among all major Nebraska Panhandle health care providers including hospitals and clinics, the public health district, the behavioral health region, and the federally qualified health center. • Convened more than 400 Nebraskans and engaged them in public policy deliberations. • Catalyzed the cooperation of three rural Nebraska communities to address water quality and economic development. • Authored 15 publications in diverse fields of study. • Generated more than $6 million in federal grants and contracts for Nebraska.
2006-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/1
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1000/viewcontent/2006PPCReport.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:psychfacpub-1015
2017-07-18T18:35:48Z
publication:psychfacpub
publication:ppcscalora
publication:publicpolicypublications
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicyfacpub
publication:psychology
publication:publicpolicytomkins
publication:law
publication:lawfacpub
Clinical Decision-Making about Psychopathy and Violence Risk Assessment in Public Sector Mental Health Settings
Elbogen, Eric B.
Huss, Matthew T.
Tomkins, Alan
Scalora, Mario J.
Although there has been extensive research on psychopathy, it is unknown how, or whether, clinicians in public sector mental health settings consider the Psychopathy Checklist (PCL) for assessing violence risk. Mental health clinicians (N = 135) from 4 facilities were interviewed by using multiple methods for collecting data on decision making. Participants considered clinical information most often when assessing violence risk, indicating that these data were most readily available. Clinicians perceived formal testing results (e.g., PCL) to be least available and considered testing least often, especially if clinicians had less clinical experience. Participants did not explicitly report using the PCL but did implicitly rely on psychopathy factors when assessing violence risk. Clinicians in crisis settings reported less availability of historical data typically needed for the PCL. The data point to specifi c ways to improve the clinical practice of violence risk assessment in public mental health settings.
2005-06-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/psychfacpub/16
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/psychfacpub/article/1015/viewcontent/PS_2005.pdf
Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
violence risk assessment
psychopathy
clinical decision making
mental health services research
public sector mental health
Psychiatry and Psychology
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:psychfacpub-1021
2006-06-05T16:20:25Z
publication:ageconfacpub
publication:psychfacpub
publication:ag_econ
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
publication:psychology
publication:publicpolicytomkins
publication:law
publication:lawfacpub
Community Life and Housing in Rural Nebraska: 2005 Nebraska Rural Poll Results
Vogt, Rebecca J.
Cantrell, Randolph L.
Johnson, Bruce B.
Tomkins, Alan
Many rural communities are experiencing population decline. However, rural residents have continued to show a strong attachment to their communities. How do rural Nebraskans feel about their community? Are they satisfied with the services provided? Do they own their home? What is the condition of their home? This report details 2,851 responses to the 2005 Nebraska Rural Poll, the tenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about their community and housing. Trends for some of these questions are examined by comparing data from the nine previous polls to this year’s results. For all questions, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc. Based on these analyses, some key findings emerged: Rural Nebraskans’ views of the change in their community are similar to those expressed last year. This year, 28 percent believe their community has changed for the better, compared to 26 percent last year. And, in 2005, only 20 percent think their community has changed for the worse, compared to 22 percent last year. The proportion of expected movers who plan to leave the state decreased this year. Last year, 56 percent of the persons planning to move from their community expected to leave the state. That proportion decreased to 47 percent this year. Rural Nebraskans living in or near the largest communities are more likely than persons living in or near the smaller communities to say their community has changed for the better. Thirty-nine percent of persons living in or near communities with populations of 10,000 or more believe their community has changed for the better during the past year, but only 15 percent of persons living in or near communities with less than 500 people share this opinion. The community services and amenities that rural Nebraskans are most dissatisfied with include: entertainment, retail shopping and restaurants. At least one-third of rural Nebraskans express dissatisfaction with these three services. They are most satisfied with parks and recreation, library services, basic medical care services, highways and bridges, and education (K - 12). At least one-half of rural Nebraskans are satisfied with the following items in their community: appearance of residential areas (66%), crime control (61%), maintenance of sidewalks and public areas (57%) and noise (54%). Rural Nebraskans generally have positive views about their community. Sixty percent agree that their community is an ideal place to live and 52 percent say their community has good business leaders. Rural Nebraskans have mixed opinions about the future of their community. Fortyfour percent agree that their community’s future looks bright, but 42 percent disagree with this statement. Fourteen percent have no opinion. Rural Nebraskans living in or near the larger communities are more likely than residents of the smaller communities to think their community’s future looks bright. Fifty-nine percent of persons living in or near communities with populations of 10,000 or more agree with this statement, compared to only 25 percent of residents living in or near communities with less than 500 people. Further, 61 percent of the residents of the smallest communities disagree with this statement, compared to only 28 percent of the residents of the largest communities. Over three-quarters of rural Nebraskans disagree that younger residents of their community tend to stay there after completing high school. Seventy-six percent disagree with this statement, 16 percent have no opinion and eight percent agree that younger residents stay after completing high school. When comparing responses by age, younger persons are more likely than older persons to agree that younger residents stay in their community after high school. Sixteen percent of persons age 19 to 29 agree with this statement, compared to only six percent of persons age 50 to 64. Younger persons are more likely than older persons to be planning to move from their community next year. Fifteen percent of persons between the ages of 19 and 29 are planning to move next year, compared to only two percent of persons age 65 and older. An additional 17 percent of the younger respondents indicate they are uncertain if they plan to move. Most rural Nebraskans own their home. Eighty-four percent of rural Nebraskans own their home. Older persons are more likely than younger persons to own their home. Eighty-eight percent of persons over the age of 50 own their home, compared to only 52 percent of persons age 19 to 29. Housing in rural Nebraska has an average age of 50 years. Twenty-four percent of residences were built before 1930. Another 24 percent were built between 1930 and 1959. Twenty-nine percent were built between 1960 and 1979 and the remaining 24 percent were built in 1980 or later. The housing stock in smaller communities is older than the housing located in larger communities. Over one-third (35%) of the residences in communities with less than 1,000 people were built before 1930. Only 12 percent of the homes in communities with populations of 10,000 or more were built in this time period. Most rural Nebraskans appear satisfied with their home. Only 24 percent say the current size of their home does not meet their needs. The same proportion (24%) say their home is in need of major repairs. Thirty-eight percent agree that their home needs a lot of routine maintenance, but 87 percent like the location (neighborhood) of their home. One-third of rural Nebraskans living in or near the smallest communities say their home is in need of major repairs. Only 19 percent of persons living in or near communities with populations of 5,000 or more are facing this problem. Home ownership is very important to most rural Nebraskans. Eighty-two percent believe it is very important to own their home. An additional 12 percent say it is somewhat important and six percent say it is not at all important. However, persons who do not currently own their home do not feel it is important for them to do so. Only 32 percent of renters say it is very important to own their home, compared to 91 percent of home owners. And, 35 percent of renters say it is not at all important to own their home.
2005-07-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/psychfacpub/22
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/psychfacpub/article/1021/viewcontent/05community.pdf
Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Psychiatry and Psychology
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:psychfacpub-1019
2006-06-05T16:07:22Z
publication:ageconfacpub
publication:psychfacpub
publication:ag_econ
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
publication:psychology
publication:publicpolicytomkins
publication:law
publication:lawfacpub
Well-Being in Rural Nebraska: 2005 Nebraska Rural Poll Results
Vogt, Rebecca J.
Cantrell, Randolph L.
Johnson, Bruce B.
Tomkins, Alan
Nebraska’s economy has begun to improve during recent years. How have these changes affected rural Nebraskans? How do rural Nebraskans perceive their quality of life? Do their perceptions differ by community size, the region in which they live, or their occupation? Who do they feel comfortable talking to about their personal problems? What factors are most important to rural Nebraskans when selecting a behavioral health service provider? This report details 2,851 responses to the 2005 Nebraska Rural Poll, the tenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions regarding their individual well-being. Trends for these questions are examined by comparing data from the nine previous polls to this year’s results. In addition, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc. Based on these analyses, some key findings emerged: Rural Nebraskans’ views about their current situation did not change much from last year. This year, 39 percent believe they are better off then they were five years ago, compared to 36 percent in 2004. The percent saying they are worse off then they were five years ago decreased from 23 percent to 18 percent. This year, 43 percent say they remained about the same, compared to 41 percent last year. When looking to the future, rural Nebraskans’ views remained about the same as last year. The proportion believing they will be better off ten years from now remained the same as last year (37%). This year, 21 percent think they will be worse off, compared to 23 percent last year. Forty-two percent state they will be about the same, compared to 41 percent last year. Manual laborers and persons with service occupations are more pessimistic about their future situation than persons with different occupations. Approximately 26 percent of manual laborers and persons with service occupations believe they will be worse off ten years from now. Approximately 11 percent of persons with either sales or professional occupations share this opinion. Persons with lower educational levels are more likely than persons with more education to believe that people are powerless to control their own lives. Forty-two percent of persons with a high school diploma or less education agree that people are powerless to control their own lives. However, only 17 percent of persons with a four-year college degree share this opinion. Rural Nebraskans generally report being satisfied with most aspects of their lives, with the exception of five economic variables (their financial security during retirement, their current income level, their job opportunities, their job security and their job satisfaction). Younger persons are more likely than older persons to express dissatisfaction with their current income level. Fifty-five percent of persons age 19 to 29 are dissatisfied with their current income level. In comparison, only 30 percent of persons age 65 and older are dissatisfied with their current income. Rural Nebraskans are most comfortable talking to a family member, a close friend, a medical doctor or a member of the clergy about their personal problems. At least onehalf report they are comfortable talking to the following people about their personal problems: family member (82%), close friend (79%), a medical doctor (70%) and a member of the clergy (61%). When asked about their comfort level in talking to either a mental health professional or a substance abuse counselor, a significant proportion of the respondents answered “no opinion.” The most important factors in selecting a behavioral health service provider for rural Nebraskans include: the provider is licensed, the provider is covered by a third-party payer and that the provider is close to their home. The proportion rating the factors as important are as follows: provider is licensed (79%), provider is covered by a third-party payer (e.g., insurance, vouchers, Medicare, Medicaid) (75%) and the provider is close to my home (66%).
2005-09-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/psychfacpub/20
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/psychfacpub/article/1019/viewcontent/05wellbeing.pdf
Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Psychiatry and Psychology
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:psychfacpub-1020
2006-06-05T16:12:03Z
publication:ageconfacpub
publication:psychfacpub
publication:ag_econ
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
publication:psychology
publication:publicpolicytomkins
publication:law
publication:lawfacpub
Rural Nebraskans’ Support for Alternative Energy Sources: 2005 Nebraska Rural Poll Results
Vogt, Rebecca J.
Cantrell, Randolph L.
Johnson, Bruce B.
Tomkins, Alan
Alternative and renewable energy sources have been given increasing attention during the past few years. Many wind energy projects and ethanol plants have been started across the state. How do rural Nebraskans view alternative energy sources? Do they view them as beneficial to the state’s economy? Do they think more electricity should be generated from alternative energy sources? How often do they use ethanol blend fuel? This report details 2,851 responses to the 2005 Nebraska Rural Poll, the tenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about alternative energy sources. For all questions, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc. Based on these analyses, some key findings emerged: Most rural Nebraskans agree that the government should encourage the use of renewable energy sources. Eighty-nine percent agree or strongly agree with this statement. Only two percent disagree or strongly disagree. Most rural Nebraskans believe alternative energy sources are good for the state’s economy. Eighty-nine percent either strongly agree or agree that generating more electricity through wind power would be good for Nebraska’s economy. Similar proportions believe that producing more ethanol blend fuel (86%) and more soy biodiesel blend fuel (83%) would be beneficial to the state’s economy. Opinions are mixed on both the cost and reliability of alternative energy sources. Onethird (33%) agree or strongly agree that alternative energy sources are more expensive than traditional fossil fuel energy sources (i.e., coal, gas and oil). Twenty-eight percent disagree with this statement and 39 percent have no opinion. When given the statement that traditional fossil fuel energy sources are more reliable than alternative energy sources, 33 percent disagree and 23 percent agree. Forty-four percent of rural Nebraskans have no opinion in this area. Most rural Nebraskans agree or strongly agree that alternative energy sources are better for the environment than traditional fossil fuel energy sources. Sixty-five percent of rural Nebraskans agree with this statement and only four percent disagree. Thirty-one percent have no opinion. Most rural Nebraskans think at least 10% of the state’s electricity should be generated from alternative energy sources. Seventy-two percent of rural Nebraskans agree with this statement, while only three percent disagree. Twenty-five percent have no opinion. Farmers and ranchers are most likely to agree that the government should encourage the use of renewable energy sources. Ninety-four percent of farmers and ranchers agree with this statement, compared to 84 percent of persons with service occupations. Farmers and ranchers are most likely to agree that producing more soy bio-diesel blend fuel would be good for Nebraska’s economy. Ninety-four percent of farmers and ranchers agree with this statement, compared to 74 percent of manual laborers. Younger persons are more likely than older persons to agree that alternative energy sources are better for the environment than traditional fossil fuel energy sources. Seventy-six percent of persons age 19 to 29 agree with this statement, compared to 52 percent of persons age 65 and older. Over one-half of rural Nebraskans say they always or almost always use an ethanol blend fuel when filling up their vehicle. Twenty-seven percent say they always use this fuel and another 27 percent say they almost always use it. Only 13 percent say they never use ethanol blend fuel. Farmers and ranchers are most likely to say they always use an ethanol blend fuel. Forty-four percent of farmers and ranchers always use an ethanol blend fuel, compared to 21 percent of manual laborers. Persons living in the Northeast region are more likely than persons living in other regions of the state to say they always use an ethanol blend fuel when filling up their vehicle. Thirty-eight percent of Northeast region residents always use an ethanol blend fuel, compared to only 12 percent of the Panhandle residents. Persons living in the North Central region are the regional group most likely to say they never use this type of fuel (20%).
2005-08-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/psychfacpub/21
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/psychfacpub/article/1020/viewcontent/energy.pdf
Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Psychiatry and Psychology
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:psychfacpub-1022
2006-06-05T16:26:11Z
publication:ageconfacpub
publication:psychfacpub
publication:ag_econ
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
publication:psychology
publication:publicpolicytomkins
publication:law
publication:lawfacpub
Rural Nebraska: Looking Back at a Decade of Change and Progress: 2005 Nebraska Rural Poll Results
Vogt, Rebecca J.
Cantrell, Randolph L.
Johnson, Bruce B.
Tomkins, Alan
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Nebraska Rural Poll, rural Nebraskans were asked about changes they may have experienced during the past ten years. Where have they lived during the past decade? In what types of business activities have they been involved? Have they received any education or training during that time period? What has been their experience with the Internet? This report details 2,851 responses to the 2005 Nebraska Rural Poll, the tenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about changes they have experienced during the past ten years. For all questions, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc. Based on these analyses, some key findings emerged: One quarter of rural Nebraskans have lived somewhere other than their current community during the past ten years. Of those who have lived elsewhere, they have moved their primary residence an average of 2.2 times. Younger rural Nebraskans are more likely than older residents to have lived elsewhere during the past decade. Sixty-six percent of persons between the ages of 19 and 29 have lived in a different location, compared to only 12 percent of persons age 65 and older. Many rural Nebraskans who have lived in a different community during the past ten years have lived in another state. Forty-one percent of persons who have lived elsewhere during the past decade have lived in a different state. Forty-five percent have lived in a larger community (18% have lived in either Omaha or Lincoln and 27% have lived in or near a Nebraska community larger than their current one - other than Lincoln or Omaha). Thirty-six percent have lived in or near a Nebraska community smaller than their current one. Twenty percent of rural Nebraskans currently own a business. Thirteen percent started operating a business during the past ten years, 10 percent closed or stopped operating a business during this time period and four percent tried unsuccessfully to start a business. Persons living in or near the smallest communities are more likely than persons living in or near larger communities to currently own a business. Twenty-nine percent of persons living in or near communities with less than 500 people currently own a business, compared to 15 percent of persons living in or near communities with at least 10,000 persons. In general, rural Nebraskans have favorable opinions about self-employment but they also recognize the hardships and risks involved with this type of employment. Sixtyone percent agree that self-employment is desirable because they can be their own boss. Forty-four percent agree that self-employment provides a better quality of life than being an employee. However, 74 percent agree that self-employed individuals work longer hours than traditional employees and 70 percent agree that the cost of health insurance makes self-employment unappealing. Younger persons are more likely than older persons to agree that the cost of health insurance makes self-employment unappealing. Eighty percent of persons age 19 to 29 agree with that statement, compared to 55 percent of persons age 65 and older. One-half of rural Nebraskans have participated in formal education courses, workshops or other training activities during the past ten years. Sixty-nine percent of rural Nebraskans have Internet access either at home or at work. Sixty-six percent have acquired Internet access either at home or at work during the past ten years. An additional three percent had acquired access more than ten years ago. Persons with higher levels of income are more likely than persons with lower incomes to have acquired Internet access. Sixty-six percent of persons with household incomes of $60,000 or more have acquired Internet access at both home and work during the past ten years, compared to only 11 percent of persons with household incomes less than $20,000. Information searches and email are the most important reasons for having an Internet connection. Eighty-nine percent of rural Nebraskans with access to the Internet at either home or work say that information searches are an important or very important reason for having an Internet connection. Eighty-three percent say email is an important reason. In general, rural Nebraskans say their satisfaction with various features of their Internet connection has increased during the past ten years. Fifty-five percent of rural Nebraskans with an Internet connection at home say their satisfaction with the availability of service has increased during the past ten years and 50 percent report an increase in their satisfaction with the speed of their connection. Persons living in or near the larger communities are more likely than persons living in or near the smaller communities to say their satisfaction with the speed of their Internet connection has increased during the past ten years. Fifty-four percent of persons living in or near communities with populations of 5,000 or more say their satisfaction with the speed of their connection has increased over the past decade, compared to 43 percent of persons living in or near communities with less than 1,000 people.
2005-06-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/psychfacpub/23
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/psychfacpub/article/1022/viewcontent/10year.pdf
Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Psychiatry and Psychology
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1002
2006-06-06T05:08:46Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
A Community Conversation: Future of Lincoln
Public Policy Center, University of Nebraska
On Thursday, February 24th, 62 randomly selected residents of Lincoln/Lancaster County, Nebraska participated in a discussion about economic growth and quality of life in the City of Lincoln. The event was termed “A Community Conversation: Future of Lincoln.” The participants were surveyed both before and after the event to measure their opinions and knowledge of topics related to Lincoln’s economic growth and quality of life. The effort – from the briefing materials sent to participants beforehand to the group discussions to the opportunity to present questions to a panel of experts – was modeled after the Deliberative Polling® format developed by Professor James Fishkin, currently Director at Stanford University’s Center for Deliberative Democracy (http://cdd.stanford.edu/). Deliberative Polling combines random sampling techniques with small group deliberations. It aims to measure changes in attitudes and knowledge about public policy issues after participants have an opportunity to discuss and think about them in an informed way. Since its inception in 1988, Deliberative Polling has been employed in England, Australia, Denmark, and the United States. For the past few years, it has been used as part of PBS’s By the People project, an effort designed to hear what ordinary people have to say about important policy and political issues (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/btp/about.html). The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center has been involved in two of the By the People conversations that have been held in Nebraska (http://ppc.nebraska.edu/program_areas/documents/BythePeople/bythepeople10-04.htm). The “Future of Lincoln” effort used the Deliberative Model to examine issues of local rather than national and international interest. Surveyed questions were: 1. Lincoln should pursue an aggressive policy of economic growth. 2. Lincoln’s development policy favors big business at the expense of normal taxpayers. 3. I support the Antelope Valley Project. 4. I support the Downtown Master Plan. 5. I am willing to pay higher taxes to pay for the goals of the Downtown Master Plan. 6. I am willing to pay higher taxes to pay for the goals of the Antelope Valley Project. 7. I know a lot about the Antelope Valley Project. 8. I know a lot about the Downtown Master Plan. 9. A successful Downtown is crucial to Lincoln’s long-term success. 10. A policy of aggressive economic growth in Lincoln would benefit me personally. 11. Impact fees provide economic benefits to Lincoln. 12. Lincoln’s overall quality of life is improving. 13. In order to prevent school overcrowding, Lincolnites should pay higher property taxes to finance construction of more schools. 14. Lincoln should continue to pursue large development projects even if it means an increase in property taxes. 15. Property taxes should be raised if it results in improved city infrastructure. 16. Lincoln’s continued growth is threatening its quality of life. A Community Conversation: Future of Lincoln was a collaborative project of Leadership Lincoln, the Lincoln Journal Star and the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center. Financial support was provided by the Cooper Foundation and the Woods Charitable Fund.
2005-03-17T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/3
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1002/viewcontent/FutureLincolnRpt_Mar17Final.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1003
2006-06-06T05:20:21Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Progress Report 2005
Committee, Nebraska Minority and Justice Implementation
The Nebraska Minority and Justice Implementation Committee is a unique statewide collaboration that works to develop and implement just and sustainable policy reforms that will not only improve the system of justice but will also strengthen public trust and confidence in our laws and court system. The Committee is a joint effort of the Nebraska State Bar Association and the Nebraska Supreme Court, appointed by the Supreme Court in May of 2003 in response to a Task Force’s two-year investigation of racial and ethnic bias and discrimination in Nebraska’s justice system. The mission of the Committee is to achieve four primary aims: • address racial disparities in both the juvenile and adult justice systems • ensure equal access to justice • increase the diversity of Nebraska’s judicial workforce • increase the diversity of Nebraska’s legal profession The Committee is pleased to share these brief descriptions of the progress it made in 2005. Chairs and staff of the MJIC are Hon. John Gerrard, Nebraska Supreme Court and Co-Chair of the MJIC; Jane Schoenike, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Bar Association; Liz Neeley, PhD, Project Director of the MJIC and Linda Crump, Office of Equity Access and Diversity UNL, Co-Chair of the MJIC.
2006-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/4
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1003/viewcontent/2006ProgressReport.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1001
2006-06-06T04:52:30Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Citizen Voices on Pandemic Flu Choices: A Report of the Public Engagement Pilot Project on Pandemic Influenza
In the spring of 2005, gaps existed in the first Health and Human Services (HHS) Influenza Pandemic Plan and more guidance was considered desirable on how best to allocate the relatively meager supplies of vaccine likely to be available in the first months of a pandemic. To whom should it be given? To achieve what objectives? This report describes the convening of a representative group of stakeholders and citizens-at-large, the structure and process of stakeholder and citizen dialogues and deliberations, and the decisions made and recommendations that were developed. This Public Engagement Pilot Project on Pandemic Influenza (PEPPPI) was initiated in July 2005 to discuss and rank goals for a pandemic influenza vaccination program and to pilot test a new model for engaging citizens on vaccine related policy decisions (The Vaccine Policy Analysis CollaborativE, VPACE). The Pilot Project was sponsored by a network of interested organizations listed on the cover of this report. To conduct this public consultation, the sponsors engaged stakeholders from various organizations with an interest in pandemic influenza (the National Stakeholder Group), and individual citizens-at-large from the four principal regions of the United States. The anticipated major benefits from this public consultation were the development of an improved plan to combat pandemic influenza and one more likely to gain public support, and a demonstration that citizens can be productively engaged in informing vaccine related policy decisions. This Pilot Project provides “proof of principle” to the vaccine community that a diverse group of stakeholders and citizens-at-large can be recruited to learn about a technical subject, interact respectfully, and reach a productive outcome on an important policy question. Preliminary results from the independent evaluation of all the sessions conducted by the University of Nebraska reaffirmed this conclusion. Furthermore, the corroboration of the results of the deliberations from the four sessions involving the general public in disparate regions of the country, as well as with the National Stakeholder Group meeting in Washington D.C., gives additional weight to the recommendations. Recognition of the importance and utility of these findings was made evident in the HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan released in early November 2005 which described the agency’s consideration of the priorities that emerged from the PEPPPI project. More public discussion of a similar type was called for in the HHS plan. Participating Organizations: Atlanta Journal Constitution; Institute of Medicine; Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health; Massachusetts Health and Human Services; National Immunization Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Vaccine Program Office in the Department of Health and Human Services; Nebraska Health and Human Services; Oregon Department of Human Services; Practicum Limited; Richard Lounsbery Foundation; Study Circles Resource Center; The Keystone Center; University of Georgia; and University of Nebraska Public Policy Center
2005-12-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/2
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1001/viewcontent/PEPPPI_FINALREPORT_DEC_2005.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicytomkins-1009
2006-10-10T20:16:59Z
publication:psychfacpub
publication:publicpolicyshank
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
publication:publicpolicyfacpub
publication:psychology
publication:publicpolicytomkins
publication:law
publication:lawfacpub
Final Report: Nebraska Child Support Collection and Disbursement System Implementation Project
Tomkins, Alan
Shank, Nancy C.
In June, 1999, the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center (PPC) was asked by the Executive Board of the Nebraska Legislature to undertake a study of child support issues. Specifically, the PPC was asked to recommend how Nebraska can preserve existing strengths and reduce or eliminate weakness in its child support customer service system as the state complies with a federal mandate and develops a centralized State Disbursement Unit (SDU) for the receipting and disbursement of child support payments. In order to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the present customer service system in Nebraska, as well as learn what other states are doing to service child support customers, the PPC spent most of its efforts consulting with Nebraska stakeholders (custodial and non-custodial parents; employers; child support enforcement workers, staff and officials; district court clerks; attorneys; policymakers and legislative and gubernatorial staff; judicial personnel; and other interested persons), state and federal child support enforcement staff and other officials from around the nation, leaders and staff from private companies working in child support around the country, and with other national experts. The PPC worked closely with an inter-governmental Work Group, consisting of representatives from the Unicameral, the Nebraska Child Support Enforcement/)IV-D agency, the Governor’s Office, the State Court Administrator’s Office, and the District Court Clerk’s Association. The results of these efforts lead the PPC to offer 10 recommendations that we believe will help preserve existing customer service strengths and reduce or eliminate weaknesses: • Establish an on-going, intergovernmental and key stakeholder team(s) to monitor and participate in the selection, implementation, and on-going evaluation of the customer service system in Nebraska. • Make extensive use of a toll-free, Voice Response Unit (VRU)/automated telephone system with customer service representatives as the primary means of obtaining customer service. • If possible, provide access to a person with whom customers can speak face-to-face for service. • Provide customer services specifically for employers. • Include all child support cases in the new SDU and customer service systems. • Ensure adequate staffing and a sufficient infrastructure to allow customer service providers to succeed, and also slowly implement changes to the current child support system. • Specify performance indicators and conduct customer satisfaction studies. • Make use of new technologies to expand access to information and to allow innovative means for interactions between customers and customer service providers. • Use the upcoming change as an opportunity to develop and expand innovative social programs designed to further the goals of the child support system. • Be patient as the new systems are implemented and be proactive in informing stakeholders of upcoming changes. Along with these 10 recommendations (and an elaboration of the rationales for the recommendations), seven policy decision points are identified and discussed. Five challenges to successful implementation of the SDU-linked customer service system are presented. Finally, we encourage all those involved in the child support system to work together, to move on from past disagreements, and engage in an effective decisionmaking process that will result in positive outcomes for Nebraska’s children and families.
1999-10-15T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicytomkins/10
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicytomkins/article/1009/viewcontent/child_support_report.pdf
Alan Tomkins Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1004
2006-11-21T14:51:40Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
publication:publicpolicytomkins
publication:law
publication:lawfacpub
Preliminary Evaluation of the Lancaster County Indigency Screener Project
Tomkins, Alan
Neeley, Elizabeth
In January 2001, a three-year Indigency Screener pilot project was initiated in Lancaster County for the purposes of assessing: 1) The advisability of a uniform rule developed to clarify defendant eligibility for courtappointed counsel. 2) A standardized form for documenting eligibility for appointed counsel. 3) The use of dedicated county court staff to obtain financial information from a defendant and verify the information submitted by a defendant in support of his/her claim of indigency. This report is a Preliminary Evaluation of the project. The Preliminary Evaluation is based primarily on information obtained from interviews with key stakeholders, courtroom observations of indigency determinations, and examinations of basic screener program data (statistical information and archival records) relevant to indigency determinations. The interviews revealed that those involved in the court system are virtually all positive about the uniform rule, primarily because it is believed the rule has resulted in greater uniformity and consistency in indigency appointments. The standardized form is useful, although some minor modifications regarding what data should be collected are recommended. The primary benefit of the form is that it helps direct the collection of useful financial information judges need to know in order make the decision whether to appoint counsel. Overall, there were mostly positive reactions to the screening staff and their activities. Judges and attorneys like having the Screener obtain financial information prior to the court hearing. There appears to be significant savings of time for judges and attorneys. The benefits of verification are less clear. On the one hand, verification allows people to feel that defendants will not receive benefits (court-appointments) at taxpayer expense to which the defendants are not entitled. On the other hand, verification does not appear to fulfill its promise. It is our opinion that defendants are not more honest simply because there is a court employee who will verify financial information. It is not clear that verification efforts succeed in uncovering financial information that results in a denial of public defender appointments that, but for verification, would have otherwise occurred. We do not believe verification detects very much false or inaccurate information. Part of the problem is it is hard to uncover the negative; thus, it is quite difficult for the verification process to find that a defendant is employed when s/he claims not be working or to find a savings account when the defendant does not indicate s/he has one. Even when verification uncovers dishonesty, the dishonesty can be so minimal that it does not actually affect the defendant’s indigency status. Finally, in most instances, it does not seem to be good practice or policy to either stop judicial proceedings or prosecute defendants in those rare instances in which inaccurate or false information is uncovered.
2003-01-21T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/5
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1004/viewcontent/indigency_final_report_2003.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:poliscifacpub-1026
2020-10-27T15:47:54Z
publication:politicalscience
publication:psychfacpub
publication:poliscifacpub
publication:ppcscalora
publication:publicpolicypublications
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:psychology
Political Attitudes Vary with Physiological Traits
Oxley, Douglas R.
Smith, Kevin
Alford, John R.
Hibbing, Matthew V.
Miller, Jennifer L.
Scalora, Mario J.
Hatemi, Peter K.
Hibbing, John R.
Although political views have been thought to arise largely from individuals’ experiences, recent research suggests that they may have a biological basis. We present evidence that variations in political attitudes correlate with physiological traits. In a group of 46 adult participants with strong political beliefs, individuals with measurably lower physical sensitivities to sudden noises and threatening visual images were more likely to support foreign aid, liberal immigration policies, pacifism, and gun control, whereas individuals displaying measurably higher physiological reactions to those same stimuli were more likely to favor defense spending, capital punishment, patriotism, and the Iraq War. Thus, the degree to which individuals are physiologically responsive to threat appears to indicate the degree to which they advocate policies that protect the existing social structure from both external (outgroup) and internal (norm-violator) threats. Includes Supporting Materials.
2008-09-19T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/poliscifacpub/26
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/poliscifacpub/article/1026/viewcontent/Hibbing_SCIENCE_2008__DC_VERSION.pdf
Department of Political Science: Faculty Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Political Science
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1005
2009-02-17T20:06:41Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Nebraska Judicial Structure and Administrative Task Force Final Report
Nebraska Judicial Structure and Administration Task Force
The Nebraska courts face a challenge shared by many state courts, determining the optimum number of judges needed to successfully do the work of the district, county and juvenile courts. Maintaining an adequate level of judicial resources is essential to effectively manage and resolve court business while providing meaningful access to the courts for the citizens of Nebraska. In order to meet these challenges, an objective assessment of the number and allocation of judges needed to handle caseloads is necessary. To this end, the Administrative Office of the Courts contracted with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) to conduct a judicial workload assessment for Nebraska’s district, county and juvenile courts.1 In December 2006, the Final Report of the Judicial Workload Assessment, Nebraska District, County and Juvenile Court was released. The findings of this study, which indicate the need for more district, county and juvenile court judges in Nebraska, coupled with a budget climate that may not be conducive to such expansion, prompted the Nebraska Judicial Resources Commission to search for alternative approaches to meet the state’s judicial resource needs. On January 8, 2007, the Nebraska Judicial Resources Commission (JRC) requested that the Nebraska State Bar Association (NSBA) study the current judicial district boundaries. In response to this request, the NSBA established the Judicial Structure and Administration Task Force (Task Force). The NSBA Judicial Resources Committee formed the core of the Task Force with additional representatives added from the JRC, the Supreme Court, trial courts, and the Legislature. The NSBA contracted with the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center to conduct policy-relevant research and provide administrative support to the Task Force.
2007-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/6
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1005/viewcontent/JSATF_Final_Report_2007.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1010
2009-02-24T17:31:45Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
The Dialogue, Summer 2007
CONTENTS: Ask the Field Profile of the Center for Disaster and Extreme Event Preparedness Program Design Elements of Successful Crisis Counseling and Outreach Programs Following a Disaster A Model for Entry into Schools: A Practice Module Which Demonstrated Success Remote Management of Crisis Counseling Program Teams in Colorado Learning from the Past: Historical Disasters—Perspectives for the Field Recommended Reading Conference Highlights Upcoming Meetings
2007-07-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/8
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1010/viewcontent/Dialogue_Summer_2007.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1009
2009-02-24T17:27:46Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Developmental Disabilities Service Coordination in Nebraska (Final Report Summary)
The LR 42 Service Coordination Workgroup, coordinated by the office of State Senator Dennis Byars, asked the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center to conduct a study of developmental disabilities service coordination in Nebraska. The Public Policy Center explored the perceptions and experiences of a variety of stakeholders involved in the service coordination system for people with developmental disabilities. The goal of the research project was to better understand: • Stakeholder satisfaction with service coordination • The roles and responsibilities service coordinators currently are fulfilling • The importance of various aspects of service coordination • How service coordination may be improved The project focused on the delivery of service coordination in relation to its impact on consumers. From August 2004 through December 2004, the Public Policy Center gathered information from consumers of developmental disability services, their family members or guardians, Service Coordinators, and Service Provider Employees (Provider staff) regarding developmental disability service coordination in Nebraska. All Service Coordinators and a sample of Service Provider staff were surveyed. Consumers attending the 2004 People First conference were invited to participate in three focus groups. A random sample of family members/guardians was invited to participate in focus groups and individual interviews. This data was supplemented with 2000-2001 National Core Indicators Survey results from surveys of Nebraska consumers. The “Developmental Disabilities Service Coordination in Nebraska” Final Report is available on the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center web page at http://ppc.unl.edu/.
2006-09-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/9
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1009/viewcontent/Dev_Dis_Svc_Coord_SUMMARY_2006.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1011
2009-02-24T17:34:09Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Nebraska’s Drug Courts Evaluation
DeKraai, Mark
The Nebraska Public Policy Center conducted an evaluation of Nebraska’s Problem-Solving Courts for the Administrative Office of the Courts. The evaluation was conducted from March – September of 2007 and covered eight probation problem-solving courts in Nebraska, including three adult drug courts (Midwest Nebraska, Northeast Nebraska, Sarpy County), four juvenile drug courts (Scottsbluff, Lancaster County, Douglas County, Sarpy County) and one young adult problem-solving court (Douglas County). The goal of the Nebraska’s Problem-solving (Drug) Court evaluation was to understand how well drug courts work, examine offender characteristics, examine current practices and procedures, and determine outcomes for offenders entering problem-solving courts.
2008-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/7
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1011/viewcontent/DrugCourtSummary_2008.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1007
2009-02-24T17:22:08Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Cleaning Up After The Storm: Lessons Learned From The Experiences Of Disaster Volunteers After The May 2004 Storms In Southeast Nebraska
Bulling, Denise
Hoffman, Stacey
Dahlberg, Elissa
A survey was sent to clean-up volunteers 17 months after they helped with debris removal from an area in Nebraska devastated by tornadoes. The survey asked about their experiences and perceptions related to that volunteer work. The 622 respondents offered suggestions to enhance the processes used to deploy and supervise disaster clean-up volunteers. These respondents were generally older and more educated than the demographics of the area would suggest. They reported being motivated to volunteer primarily for altruistic reasons and generally had positive experiences. Those volunteers who reported experiencing some distress as a result of their disaster volunteer experience were more likely to report experiencing personal growth than those who experienced no distress. The volunteers that reported personal growth were more likely to report being satisfied with their disaster volunteer experience. Specific recommendations for improving the volunteer experience, enhancing recruitment, and sustaining future clean up efforts are offered at the end of this report.
2006-01-31T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/11
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1007/viewcontent/CleaningUpAftertheStorm_2006.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1006
2009-02-24T17:17:10Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
The Nebraska Minority Justice Committee Progress Report 2006
CONTENTS: Representative Juries Project Access to Justice Issue of The Nebraska Lawyer Uniform Juror Qualification Form Assigned Counsel Fee Study Improvement of Data Collection Second Annual Legal Diversity Summit Supporting Law School Initiatives Nebraska Legal Diversity Website Barristers’ Ball 2006 Priority Projects Raising Awareness Feedback and Questions Members of the Minority Justice Committee
2006-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/12
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1006/viewcontent/2006_NMJC_ProgressReport.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1008
2009-02-24T17:25:25Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Developmental Disabilities Service Coordination in Nebraska
Table of Contents: Executive Summary Introduction Statewide Results Service Coordinator Activities -- Proportion of Time Spent and Importance Mean Comparisons -- Service Coordinators and Provider Employees Service Coordinator Responses by Service Area Service Coordinator Responses by Years of Experience Service Coordinator Responses by Education LevelService Coordinator Responses by Number of Providers Provider Employee Responses by Service Area Provider Employee Team Experience by Service Area Provider Employee Responses by Years of Team Experience Comparisons across Three Surveys References
2006-09-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/10
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1008/viewcontent/Dev_Dis_Svc_Coord_2006.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1015
2009-02-24T17:48:56Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Nebraska Community Learning Center Network: Expanded Learning Opportunity Fund Mapping Project
Herian, Mitchel
Shank, Nancy
Table of Contents: Table of Contents Acknowledgements Introduction A Note on Terminology and Population Fund Mapping Challenges Approach and Presentation Fund Mapping Results Current Funding Survey of Nebraska Funding Sources Summary of Federal Funding Programs Early Childhood Care Survey of Nebraska Afterschool Programs Federal Funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers Nebraska Crime Commission Parental Involvement Potential Funding Summary of Federal Programs Discussion of 2008 Survey of Funding Sources Future Directions and Conclusion Appendices Appendix A - Summer 2008 Survey of Organizations that Fund Expanded Learning Opportunities Appendix B - Potential Federal Programs for Expanded Learning Opportunities Appendix C - Early Childhood Care and Education Programs and Funding Sources: Attachment 2.1.2B to the Child Care and Development Fund Plan for Nebraska FFY 2008-2009 Appendix D - 21st Century Community Learning Center Funding 2005 - 2008 Appendix E - 2006 Coalition for Juvenile Justice Report: Juvenile Services Grant Funds and County Juvenile Services Aid Program
2008-08-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/13
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1015/viewcontent/Herian_NCLCN_Exp_Learn_Op_2008.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1013
2009-02-24T17:41:35Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program Biennial Report Fiscal Years 2006-2007
Table of Contents: History of the GAP Mission, Goals and Principles of the GAP Service Components of the GAP Work Force Development CertificationContract Management Helpline Voucher Program Treatment Increasing DemandMonitoring Outcomes Expenditures Funding Administration The GAP’s Historical Administrative and Legislative Landmarks Strategic Planning Expansion of the GAP Accomplishments Program Evaluation Focus Groups and Interviews Helpline Data Consumer Survey Magellan Data Analysis Cost Analysis Clinical Treatment Magellan System and NOMs APPENDIX A DHHS Administrative Contact Personnel APPENDIX B State Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling APPENDIX C Organizations Involved In Problem Gambling APPENDIX D List of Providers - Prevention APPENDIX E List of Providers - Awareness APPENDIX F List of Providers by Region
2008-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/15
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1013/viewcontent/GAP06_07Report_2008.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1014
2014-10-20T18:54:15Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Behavioral Health Guidelines For Medical Isolation
Bulling, Denise
Zagurski, Robin
Hoffman, Stacey
Contents: I. Introduction and Background II. Behavioral Health Guidelines for use with Hospital Isolation Precautions Section I: Patients Section II: Staff Section III: Family (of Patients Section IV: Community Table: Summary of Behavioral Health Guidelines for use with Hospital Isolation Precautions Appendix I: TEMPLATE – POLICY AND PROCEDURE Appendix II: Sample Suicide Precautions Protocol Appendix III: Screening Resources Appendix IV: COMMON STRESS REACTIONS
2007-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/14
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1014/viewcontent/GuidelinesforMedicalIsolation.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1012
2009-02-24T17:37:05Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Enrollment Projections for Nebraska’s Medicaid Insurance for Workers with Disabilities (Medicaid Buy-In Program)
McGarvey, Mary
Many persons with significant disabilities are unable to obtain health insurance in the private sector that provides coverage of the services that enable them to live independently and enter, remain in, or rejoin the workforce. For individuals with disabilities currently receiving health care under Medicaid, the fear of losing their health care and related services is one of the greatest barriers keeping such individuals from maximizing their employment, earnings potential, and independence. For many individual SSDI and SSI recipients, the risk of losing Medicare and Medicaid coverage that is linked to their cash benefits is a risk that is an equal or greater work disincentive than the loss of cash benefits associated with working. To allow workers with income levels higher than SSI requirements to maintain their Medicaid coverage, the federal government has provided states with an optional “Medicaid Buy-In program.” The Buy-In allows qualifying people with disabilities whose income levels are too high for them to receive SSI, to purchase Medicaid coverage much like one would purchase any health insurance policy. The Medicaid Buy-In was first made a state option through the 1997 Balanced Budget Act (Section 4733). The 1999 passage of TWWIIA expanded the number and type of choices states can make if they decide to implement a Medicaid Buy-In program. States primarily support working persons with disabilities through implementation of Buy-In programs. Twenty-nine states (Bicameral Briefing on Medicaid Buy-in Programs for Working Individuals with Disabilities, 2001) have adopted some form of a Medicaid Buy-In program that enables persons with disabilities to continue eligibility for Medicaid-financed services. States with Buy-In programs implemented them following guidelines outlined in either the Balanced Budget Act (1997) or in TWWIIA (1999). Older programs tend to follow BBA guidelines and newer programs tend to follow TWWIIA guidelines. Nebraska’s Buy-In program currently follows the BBA guidelines. This report provides projections of the number of qualified unmarried Nebraskans expected to enroll in the current Medicaid Buy-In program. (The current policy is summarized in the table presented below.) To gauge the effect of changes in specific policy parameters, we also estimate enrollment in the program under different policy scenarios. These projections are based on a number of underlying assumptions. We assume that all qualified Nebraskans have complete knowledge of the program, there is no perceived social stigma attached to participation in the program, and that enrollment for qualified individuals is costless. The report is organized around the presentation of six tables of population projections. After I describe the data and the general methodology, I present the detailed model and assumptions used to calculate the estimates presented in the tables.
2003-03-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/16
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1012/viewcontent/FinalProjection_Medicaid_enroll_2003.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1018
2009-02-24T18:00:47Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Working Together to Increase Diversity in the Legal Profession
Neely, Elizabeth
Diversity in the legal profession is not something that can solely be accomplished by our law schools; it requires a concerted effort among a state's legal institutions. P r e - h advisors can initiate these partnerships to everyone's benefit. This article describes some of the joint efforts taking place in Nebraska and provides information to pre-law advisors on how to begin development of joint initiatives.
2005-10-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/23
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1018/viewcontent/MAPLAarticle_2005.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1017
2009-02-24T17:57:31Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
LR 42 Services Coordination Study
In 2003, Senator Byars was approached by a group of developmental disability providers and advocates to review the role and function of service coordinators for the developmentally disabled. A task force of clients, advocates, providers, and Health and Human Services agency personal were assembled to review the quality and effectiveness of services coordination. Topics of consideration were training and staff development, quality review mechanisms, and the ability of the service coordinator to work effectively on behalf of the client.
2007-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/24
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1017/viewcontent/LR42ServicesStudyExecSummary.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1016
2009-02-24T17:53:18Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
How the Public Views the State Courts (1999 National Survey)
Table of Contents: A REPORT ON THE NATIONAL SURVEY by Frank A. Bennack, Jr., President & Chief Executive Officer, The Hearst Corporation EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION RESEARCH METHODS FINDINGS TRUST, CONFIDENCE AND APPROVAL Public Trust and Confidence in America’s Institutions The Manner in Which Courts Handle Cases INVOLVEMENT, KNOWLEDGE, INFORMATION SOURCES, AND THE MEDIA Personal Involvement Self-Rated Court Knowledge Sources of Information Regarding News and the Courts Media Portrayal of Courts COURT PERFORMANCE: THE PUBLIC’S EVALUATION Court Access Timeliness of Courts Equality and Fairness of Courts Perceptions of Equal Treatment Court Independence and Responsiveness CONCLUSION
1999-05-14T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/25
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1016/viewcontent/how_public_views_the_state_courts__1999survey.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1024
2009-02-24T18:22:30Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Survey of Disability and Employment in Nebraska, Fall 2001
Table of Contents: I. Executive Summary II. Introduction A. Background B. Research Questions C. Survey Methodology III. Description of the Sample A. Disability Type B. Demographic Characteristics 1. Race/Ethnicity 2. Gender and Age 3. Education 4. Family Income 5. Geographic Location IV. Report Narrative and Key Findings A. Disability B. Employment C. Barriers to Work D. Personal Assistance Services E. Demographics F. Key Findings Appendix A. Frequency Distributions For All Variables B. Frequency Distributions by Disability Type for Select Variables C. Consumer Survey Instrument
2002-05-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/17
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1024/viewcontent/PRICEconsumer_survey_report_2002.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1022
2009-02-24T18:15:14Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Nebraska Hospital Preparedness for Psychological Consequences of Public Health Emergencies (Survey Results Summary)
Bulling, Denise
The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center recently surveyed hospitals across Nebraska to evaluate behavioral health readiness in the event of a disaster, act of terrorism (including bioterrorism) or other mass-casualty incident. The survey also asked about hospitals’ ability to effectively coordinate with other emergency service providers, such as law enforcement, in the event of a critical incident. Behavioral health readiness refers to a hospital’s capacity to effectively manage and respond to the psychological needs of patients, staff, and their families resulting from a large scale event or emergency. In many hospitals in Nebraska this capacity is not maintained internally and there is an informal reliance on local mental health resources to handle any psychological surge. The challenge associated with this mechanism is the lack of professional mental health resources in many areas of the State. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2003) designated 88 of Nebraska’s 93 counties as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas. This means that nearly 95% of Nebraska counties are without sufficient mental health services.
2004-12-10T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/19
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1022/viewcontent/NEHospitalPreparedness_2004.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1021
2009-02-24T18:12:56Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
CCF Semi-Annual Report: Nebraskans Expanding Behavioral Health Access through Networking Delivery Systems
Wells, Caroline
DeKraai, Mark
Bulling, Denise
Tomkins, Alan
Table of Contents: 1. Grant Information 2. Major Activities and Accomplishments 3. Concern/Problems 4. Significant Stories/Findings 5. Communication Activities 6. Other Activities 7. Activities Planned for the Next Reporting Period 8. Financial Status Report Attachments: A. Year Three Subawardees B. Subawardee success stories C. Information on technical assistance workshops D. Information on Subawardee technical assistance events E. Subawardee semiannual survey results F. Financial status report G. Subawardee newsletters H. NEBHANDS Newsletters I. Letters of Appreciation and Celebration of Excellence Keynote Speech
2005-10-28T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/20
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1021/viewcontent/Nebhands9_05Semi_AnnualReportFINAL.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1019
2009-02-24T18:03:18Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
MCH Capacity-Building Models: A Summary
Table of Contents: Executive Summary Introduction Report Approach and Components Stakeholders in Maternal and Child Health in Nebraska Capacity-Building Approaches Individual Capacity-Building Models Community Capacity-Building Models Statewide Capacity-Building Models Organizational Models Observations Summary References
2003-12-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/22
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1019/viewcontent/mch_capacity_2003.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1023
2009-02-24T18:19:09Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
The Impact of Earnings of Nebraskans with Disabilities on their Eligibility for Selected Services and Programs
Table of Contents: Executive Summary Introduction State Goals for Programs and Program Integration Policy Choice Highlights and Possible Alternatives Tables of Program Comparisons Table 1 - Approximated Nebraska Income Eligibility Ranges for Adults with Disabilities Notes to Accompany Table 1 Table 2 - 2002 Federal Poverty Guidelines Table 3 - Nebraska Program Summary for Adults with Disabilities Table 4 - Nebraska Resource Limits & Resource Exclusions for Adults with Disabilities Table 5 - Nebraska Earned Income Disregards for Adults with Disabilities Table 6 - Nebraska Exclusions & Deductions from Income for Eligibility Determination for Adults with Disabilities Table 7 - Nebraska Exclusions & Deductions from Income for Benefit Computation for Adults with Disabilities Appendix Program Profiles Behavioral Health Child Care Subsidy Developmental Disabilities Disabled Persons and Family Support Earned Income Tax Credit Food Stamp Program Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Medicaid Ryan White Program Section 8 Rental Assistance/Housing Choice Voucher Program Social Services Block Grant – Title XX Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)/Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) Characteristics of Adults with Disabilities and the Implications for State Programs Disability Definitions Used in Nebraska Programs Program Contacts
2002-12-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/18
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1023/viewcontent/price_program_integration_2002.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1027
2009-02-24T18:43:59Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Lancaster County Public Defender Workload Assessment July 2008
Neeley, Elizabeth
Executive Summary Workload The Lancaster County Public Defender's Office was short approximately 3.48 attorneys in 2007. • The greatest deficit is in the felony division (1.93 PTE), followed by the misdemeanor division (.90). The juvenile division is short approximately one half an attorney (.53 PTE), and the civil division is short .12 PTE. This deficit can be addressed by: • Adequately staffing the office; OR • Giving the office less work by: • Establishing Caseload Standards. Cases surpassing the recommended caseload standards should be appointed to privately assigned counsel. • Reassessing crimes which receive jail time (rethinking the crimes for which the Lancaster County Public Defender office could be appointed) and expanding juvenile diversion opportunities. Caseloads Based on attorney availability and case weights that have been tested for statistical reliability over time for the current level of staffing (10 felony attorneys, 3 county misdemeanor attorneys, 1 city misdemeanor attorney, 3 juvenile attorneys, and 1 civil attorney) the Lancaster County Public Defender Office should adopt the following Annual Caseload Standards: 1,230 felony cases (approximately 1,007 core felonies and 223 ancillary felonies); 1,562 county filed misdemeanor cases; 1,349 city filed misdemeanor cases; 1,128 juvenile cases; and 859 civil cases. Impact Public defenders indicate that they do not have sufficient and reasonable time to devote to performing many of the essential functions of effective representation. Their qualitative descriptions of time constraints indicate a negative impact on the quality of services they can provide, their professional development, and their quality of life. Staff Comparisons of paralegal and support staff indicate differences between prosecutors and defense attorney resources. In accordance with the Ten Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System, there should be "parity between defense counsel and the prosecution with respect to resources."
2008-07-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/30
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1027/viewcontent/Public_Defender_Workload_Assessment_2008.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1026
2009-02-24T18:39:36Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Intermediary Service Organizations Providing Personal Assistance Services: Implementation Lessons
Table of Contents: Purpose Report Components Background Continuum of Services Under PAS-ISO Plans Personal Assistants The State/ISO Relationship The Consumer/ISO Relationship Marketing and Outreach Eligibility and Service Plans Complaints and Appeals Consumer Satisfaction and Quality Assurance Provision for Non-Medicaid Consumers
2003-06-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/31
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1026/viewcontent/PRICEpasisoreport.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1020
2009-02-24T18:08:06Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
The Nebraska Minority and Justice Task Force (Final Report)
Table of Contents: Inside Cover Quote Table of Contents Minority and Justice Task Force Chairs Members Research Staff Acknowledgements Definitions Executive Summary Access to Justice Criminal and Juvenile Justice Court Personnel Legal Profession General Recommendations IntroductionStudy Design Implications Chapter 1: Access to Justice Chapter 2: Criminal and Juvenile Justice Chapter 3: Court Personnel Chapter 4: Legal Profession Chapter 5: Research Methods Summary of Recommendations Citations Case Citations Literature Citations Statute Citations Appendix A: Survey of the Nebraska Public Appendix B: Survey of Selected Jurors Appendix C: Survey of Court Personnel Appendix D: Survey of Nebraska State Bar Association Members
2003-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/21
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1020/viewcontent/mjtf_final_report_2003.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1025
2009-02-24T18:36:55Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
An Internal Examination and Evaluation of the Nebraska Health and Human Services System Delivery of Personal Assistance Services (Final Report)
Wolfe, Jamee K.
Bailie, LaChelle
In 2001, the Nebraska Health and Human Services System (HHSS) applied for and received a one-year, transitional Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, provided for by the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (TWWIIA). In 2002, HHSS applied for and received an additional three years of funding (through 2004). This combined funding allowed Nebraska to support research that examines how the opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in competitive work could be improved. Personal assistance services (PAS) are a currently underutilized, but in many cases, necessary work support for people with disabilities. With TWWIIA funding, HHSS determined that an internal examination and evaluation of PAS service delivery was a necessary first step in examining and improving utilization of PAS statewide. The focus of this report is state delivery of PAS. This project aimed to provide documentation of current service delivery, to highlight areas of strength, deficiency and inconsistency, and to make recommendations to HHSS with respect to how it could address these issues. The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center (PPC) was contracted to conduct an internal examination and evaluation of HHSS’s statewide and regional provision of personal assistance services by reviewing federal and state policy regulating provision of PAS; documenting the process of obtaining and maintaining PAS with respect to the following: access and referral, enrollment and eligibility, scope of services, management and organization, and quality assurance/grievance processes; identifying areas of consistency and variation between service delivery areas; gathering information about provision of PAS by Nebraska’s licensed, certified home health agencies; gathering consumer perspectives and experiences with PAS in Nebraska; and developing recommendations to HHSS regarding how provision of PAS could be improved.
2002-05-20T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/32
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1025/viewcontent/pricepas_eval_report_2002.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1030
2009-02-24T18:58:37Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Responding to the Storm: Exploring the Psychological Support of Emergency Responders After the May 2004 Storms in Southeast Nebraska
Bulling, Denise
Hoffman, Stacey
Klein, Martin
Olsen, Brooke
Walles, Harry
A large number of emergency personnel were involved in the response to the May 2004 storms that devastated a 52 mile swath of Southeast Nebraska. Emergency workers who responded the night of the storm were exposed to bad weather, darkness, and uncertainty about their own safety. Later, they were asked to work alongside survivors and neighbors who had lost everything amidst widespread destruction of farms, homes, and businesses. Some, but not all of the emergency personnel were offered formal psychological support services like critical incident debriefing to assist with the emotional processing of the event. The research literature is mixed regarding the type of psychological support that is best for emergency response personnel after they respond to a disaster. This has resulted in some confusion on the part of practitioners about the most effective way to offer support services to emergency workers. The Lincoln Metropolitan Medical Response System was interested in understanding how local service structures could be better utilized to support responders after large scale events like the May 2004 storms. Rather than rely on the literature alone, an exploratory study was completed to discover what emergency workers relied upon to support psychological or emotional health after the storms and how they preferred to experience that support. Thirteen in-depth interviews and four focus groups were held with emergency personnel who responded to the May 2004 storms. An on-line survey was also administered but the response rate was quite low (eight responses). The interviews and focus groups were conducted a little over a year after the storm. The information was analyzed using qualitative research methods with the aid of the software program Atlas.ti. Formal debriefing service was highly thought of by many responders. They reported feeling better as a result of being in a debriefing. Some responders appreciated unobtrusive service of mental health and faith professionals who offered water and assistance at the disaster site. Most emergency responders said they relied on peers for informal support. Participants reported positive effects of going through this response experience. They said it brought them closer together as a team, made them appreciate what they had, and strengthened their knowledge and confidence related to responding to such events. The research resulted in several practical recommendations based on the preferences and experiences of responders. First, respondents indicated that they might have taken advantage of more formal support services if they had been offered rather than relying on department heads to request them. Responders were very concerned about maintaining the confidential nature of their work and tried not to talk to their families about the event or their personal experiences. This left peers as the primary audience for any discussion of the event. A second practical recommendation is to equip responders to provide appropriate psychological support to each other since this is the preferred way to get emotional support for many of the responders. Although it requires no formal training to be a friend, it may be beneficial to equip responders with psychological first aid skills so they are more comfortable facilitating referrals to professionals when a peer needs more formal support. A third recommendation is to increase communication about the importance of self care. Most responders participating in the study reported that they did not heed the advice of experts regarding self care. This was particularly true of physical care (exercise, diet, avoiding alcohol). The overall conclusion of this study was that Nebraska responders are well trained and confident of their collective ability to respond to disaster. They rely on each other for support more than they rely on formal support systems. This could be because of the limited access they have to these systems and because it is more natural to turn to peers for such support. As a result of this research, Nebraska’s Critical Incident Stress Management Program is studying ways it can increase accessibility to services after disaster. It may be beneficial to consider equipping peers to appropriately support each other and to care more prudently for themselves after disaster response. Using mental health and faith professionals in unobtrusive support roles during the disaster response increases their acceptance by responders. Educating these professionals about the advantage of adopting a consultant model as part of their service to emergency responders may increase their effectiveness with this population.
2006-10-05T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/27
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1030/viewcontent/RespondingtotheStorm_2006.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1028
2009-02-24T18:53:28Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Race and Justice in Nebraska – Why Prosecutors and Criminal Defense Lawyers Should Care
Young, Mark J.
Keefe, Dennis R.
This article originally appeared in Habeas Corps, the newsletter of The Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association. Reprinted with permission. "And now it's just as bad far young black women or women of color as it is for men ...to have a public defender who is so unprepared, uncaring, and really, unsuitable, to stand before a judge, and then you have a prosecutor who comes in ... and they sit at their table and the snickering, the way the attitude that they go and handle a case (shows) no respect for the individual or for the system.” The above quote comes from public hearing testimony before the Nebraska Minority and Justice Task Force preceding the issuance of their final report. Similar comments were heard at a number of public hearings around the state. At first, for those of us who are prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys and members of the Task Force, such comments (as well as some of the task force findings) made us feel uncomfortable at the very least, and sometimes downright defensive. Eventually, we came to realize that, as difficult as it is to talk about race and justice in America, it is vitally important that we do so for a number of reasons. This is especially true for those of us who hold a public trust as prosecutors and those of us who are appointed to act as zealous advocates for individual clients to fulfill the promise of their constitutional right to the effective assistance of counsel. In this article, we will provide you with background on the Minority and Justice Task Force, outline some of their key findings and explain why prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys should not only care about the issues but should become active in addressing solutions to the problems.
2004-06-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/29
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1028/viewcontent/Race_and_Justice_in_Nebraska_2004.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1029
2009-02-24T18:54:55Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Representative Juries: Examining the Initial and Eligible Pools of Jurors
State law provides that master jury lists are comprised by combining the lists of registered voters and registered drivers in the state of Nebraska. There have been anecdotal concerns that because minorities may be less likely to be registered to vote and less likely to be registered to drive, the current source lists may not effectively achieve a representative master list. The findings of this examination support this assertion. Based on an examination of juror qualification forms from 8 of Nebraska’s most diverse counties, data indicate that there are significant racial disparities in the initial and eligible pools of jurors. This report provides a review of several policy options intended to ensure a more representative initial jury pool. It is recommended that through legislative action, the source lists used to create the master jury list be expanded to include individuals with state identification cards and that the judicial branch be granted discretion to add additional source lists in the interest of creating a representative cross section of the community.
2008-12-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/28
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1029/viewcontent/Representative_Juries_Policy_Report_2008.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1031
2009-02-24T19:01:59Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Show Me the Money!
Herian, Mitchel
Shank, Nancy C.
Table of Contents: What Are Expanded Learning Opportunities? Identifying resources available to support expanded learning opportunity programs in Nebraska Some Key Findings of the Fund Mapping Project
2008-08-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/26
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1031/viewcontent/Show_Me_the_Money_final.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:psychfacpub-1403
2018-07-13T13:24:52Z
publication:psychfacpub
publication:ppcscalora
publication:publicpolicypublications
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:psychology
Assessing Risk of Reoffending in Adolescents Who Have Committed a Sexual Offense: The Accuracy of Clinical Judgments After Completion of Risk Assessment Instruments
Elkovitch, Natasha
Viljoen, Jodi L.
Scalora, Mario J.
Ullman, Daniel
As courts often rely on clinicians when differentiating between sexually abusive youth at a low versus high risk of reoffense, understanding factors that contribute to accuracy in assessment of risk is imperative. The present study built on existing research by examining (1) the accuracy of clinical judgments of risk made after completing risk assessment instruments, (2) whether instrument- informed clinical judgments made with a high degree of confidence are associated with greater accuracy, and (3) the risk assessment instruments and subscales most predictive of clinical judgments. Raters assessed each youth’s (n = 166) risk of reoffending after completing the SAVRY and J-SOAP-II. Raters were not able to predict detected cases of either sexual recidivism or nonsexual violent recidivism above chance, and a high degree of rater confidence was not associated with higher levels of accuracy. Total scores on the J-SOAP-II were predictive of instrument-informed clinical judgments of sexual risk, and total scores on the SAVRY of nonsexual risk.
2008-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/psychfacpub/404
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/psychfacpub/article/1403/viewcontent/Elkovitch_BSL_2008_Assessing_risk__DC_VERSION.pdf
Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Psychiatry and Psychology
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1032
2010-04-16T21:28:45Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Report to the Nebraska Supreme Court on Indigent Defense Systems and Fee Structures
Nebraska Minority Justice Committee
On May 18, 2005 the Nebraska Supreme Court adopted the following resolution: “The Minority and Justice Implementation Committee shall study indigency attorney fee structures statewide and report and make recommendations, if any, to the Supreme Court regarding indigency fees throughout the State of Nebraska.”
The Nebraska Supreme Court’s resolution was influenced by a certain county’s attempt to establish a flat fee for court appointed attorneys. The legal profession’s concern with this policy is that such a drastic rate reduction would likely encourage attorneys to spend less time on court appointed cases, and discourage more experienced attorneys from accepting court appointments in the first place, thereby reducing the overall quality of indigent defense provided in the state. This instance raised questions about the fairness of the current funding structures used across the state. In response, the Nebraska Supreme Court charged the Minority and Justice Implementation Committee1 with studying the fee structure system on a statewide basis. The Minority and Justice Implementation Committee appointed an ad-hoc “Standards Committee” to accomplish the resolution. The Standards Committee consists of representatives from the Minority and Justice Implementation Committee and the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, public defenders, criminal defense attorneys, and several County Commissioners.
The Standards Committee expanded its scope to assess fee structures, compensation procedures, appointment procedures, quality of representation, and additional issues related to indigent defense raised by Nebraska’s judges, defense attorneys and county commissioners. The scope was expanded because the Committee believed that recommendations concerning the fee structure of one system may inadvertently cause counties to switch to an alternate system of indigent defense. For example, if the fees for assigned counsel were raised, it may cause a county to solicit a low-bid contract for indigent defense. If guidelines were not in place to ensure the quality of indigent defense contracts, than the concern of providing quality indigent defense would simply be placed on a different system, rather than resolved.
The findings presented in this report, coupled with existing national guidelines for indigent defense systems, are the basis for the Committee’s recommendations regarding the qualifications, compensation, training, caseloads and workloads for each type of indigent defense system in Nebraska.
2006-07-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/33
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1032/viewcontent/NMJC_2006_Report_Neb_Sup_Ct.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1033
2010-09-07T13:25:07Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Examining the Perceptions of Career and Technical Education in Nebraska
Herian, Mitchel
This report contains the findings of the survey: “Examining the Perceptions of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Nebraska.” The purpose of the survey was to measure the perceptions of Nebraska Educators regarding CTE in Nebraska. The results of the study are intended to inform standards revisions in Nebraska Career Education. The survey was administered to Administrators, Math and Science Teachers, Counselors and CTE Instructors in Nebraska during November and December, 2009. Over 1,000 Nebraska Educators participated in the survey. The relatively large sample size allows for multiple comparisons to be made of various groups of educators in the state. The results show that, in general, Nebraska Educators are positive about the current state of CTE in Nebraska. The results also show, however, that there are some important differences in how different groups of educators feel about the ability of CTE to prepare students for life after high school. In general, CTE Teachers and Administrators are more positive about CTE, while Math and Science Teachers and Counselors tend to be more ambivalent. Because Math and Science Teachers and Counselors tend to be most ambivalent, the findings suggest that it would be beneficial to follow up with these groups regarding their attitudes toward CTE. In addition, the results of the survey point to a number of areas where it might be beneficial to conduct further statistical analyses so that a greater understanding of these between‐group differences might be obtained.
2010-02-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/34
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1033/viewcontent/Herian_NDE___CTE_Report_Draft___FINAL___2_11_10.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1034
2010-09-07T13:29:53Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Examining Public Perceptions of Career and Technical Education in Nebraska
Herian, Mitchel
KEY FINDINGS Perceptions of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Courses o The Nebraska public believes that CTE prepares students for careers and college, and that CTE courses are just as important as traditional academic subjects. o However, substantial proportions of Nebraskans believe that CTE students are not as respected as students who take more traditionally academic courses. Career Awareness and Exploration o Most Nebraskans believe that students should begin to learn about potential careers in middle school and that activities such as job shadowing and internships should be made available in high school. o Large proportions of respondents said they would favor a system of high schools that are focused on specific careers. Attitudes about Career Information o Nebraskans who have children in K‐12 are interested in learning about career options available to children, but large proportions of parents do not feel that Nebraska schools are currently doing a good job of informing parents about careers and their related academic requirements. Development of Course Content o Nebraskans feel that course content should be developed based on: 1) the skills required in the work place; 2) the entrance requirements of Nebraska colleges and universities; and 3) the academic standards and graduation requirements of a school district. The Role of Local Employers o Overwhelmingly, Nebraskans believe local businesses should work with schools to ensure that CTE courses are up‐to‐date and to provide unique learning and training experiences for students. Skills Obtained by High School Graduates in Nebraska o Large proportions of respondents feel that Nebraska graduates do not have the skills necessary for success in college and the workplace upon graduation. o Paradoxically, most respondents also agree that Nebraska schools are doing a good job of preparing students for careers. The Nebraska Economy and CTE o Substantial proportions of Nebraskans say that economic activity in their area is directly tied to the education afforded students. o The majority of Nebraskans believe that teaching students entrepreneurial skills is important for the future of the state’s economy. Demographic Comparisons o Parents of students are more positive about the skills received by Nebraska graduates than those without children in school. o Urban respondents are more likely to say economic development is directly related to education and that local employers should be involved in course development. o Rural respondents are more likely to believe entrepreneurship is important, and that economic development in the state will be directly related to CTE. Comparison of Results to an Earlier Survey of Educators o Both the public and educators feel that courses should be developed based on career considerations. o The public is more likely than educators to say that CTE courses are rigorous and that CTE students are better prepared for employment than other students. o The public is more likely to say that CTE focuses on students who won’t go to college and that CTE students are not as respected as other students. o Educators are less likely to agree that graduates do not have the skills necessary for college and careers.
2010-07-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/35
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1034/viewcontent/Herian_NDE_CTE_Public_Perceptions_Final_Report_Draft_8_30_10.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1035
2010-09-07T13:35:18Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Sharing Health Records Electronically: The Views of Nebraskans
Abdel-Monem, Tarik
Herian, Mitchel
In November of 2008, the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center implemented a public input project to gather information from Nebraskans about electronic sharing of medical information. One hundred and sixty eight Nebraskans completed an online or paper copy survey, and 34 of those survey respondents also participated in a deliberative discussion. Comfortable with Sharing Medical Information Electronically • Nebraskans have positive views about electronic sharing of medical information. • Nebraskans understand the benefits of electronic health information exchange. • Nebraskans have concerns about who should have the authority to access their electronic health information. Experienced with Information Technology and Healthcare • Nebraskans already have moderate levels of experience with using technology to find health and insurance information. • Nebraskans have little experience with using technology to communicate directly with healthcare providers, though they support the concept of electronic communication with healthcare providers. Want More Consumer Education about Electronic Sharing of Health Information • Nebraskans see a role for State government in educating citizens about the use and sharing of electronic medical records. • Education can increase levels of knowledge about the issues surrounding the use and exchange of electronic health information. • Education can have a positive impact on Nebraskans’ perceptions of the use and sharing of electronic health information. Concerns with Network Vulnerabilities • Nebraskans are concerned about network vulnerabilities that would compromise security of electronic health records. • Nebraskans are not overly concerned with improper access of electronic medical records by insurance companies, employers, etc. Prefer an Indirect Role for State Government in Facilitating the Sharing of Electronic Health Information • Nebraskans want State government to educate citizens and ensure that the electronic sharing of medical records is done in a safe and secure manner. • There was a relationship between frequency of healthcare visits and attitudes about the role of government in electronic health information exchange.
2008-12-11T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/36
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1035/viewcontent/Herian_Sharing_Health_Records_Electronically_Final_Report.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1036
2017-07-18T18:39:16Z
publication:ppcscalora
publication:publicpolicypublications
publication:publicpolicycenter
Behavioral Science Guidelines for Assessing Insider Threats
Bulling, Denise
Scalora, Mario
Borum, Randy
Panuzio, Jill
Donica, Andrew
This brochure presents a framework to view threats made by an insider that are targeted or intentional (as opposed to negligent or unintentional) and that involve some degree of deliberation (as opposed to those that may be considered impulsive). The framework was developed with the assumption that it must: Be applicable for both anonymous and known subjects Recognize interactions and patterns of behavior Allow for investigation with whatever information is immediately available Recognize that behaviors or warning activity may shift, decrease, or be emboldened by protective or organizational actions Insider attacks are often handled internal to an organization and are under-reported to law enforcement agencies. This has limited the sample of insider threats available for research in this area. Most of the available literature related to insider threats exists in areas outside of behavioral science. It is generally conceptual in nature rather than data driven and often focuses on threats to information systems. The field of threat assessment represents a blending of behavioral science, intelligence, and law enforcement strategies. It evolved from practices used to assess and manage dangerousness (potential risk for violence).
2008-07-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/37
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1036/viewcontent/Bulling_2008_Behav_science_guidelines_for_insider_threat.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1037
2010-09-27T20:59:30Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
<i>Opuz v. Turkey</i>: Europe’s Landmark Judgment on Violence against Women
Abdel-Monem, Tarik
Provides a perspective of Opuz v. Turkey, Europe’s landmark judgment on violence against women.
2009-10-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/38
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1037/viewcontent/Abdel_Monem_2010_HRB_Opuz_v_Turkey.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1038
2010-09-27T21:08:24Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Using Research and Engagement to Inform Policy Making
Tomkins, Alan J.
The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center specializes in policy-relevant research and engagement activities in five areas: 1. Access to Government Services 2. Application of Information Technology to Health & Human Services Delivery Systems 3. Behavioral Health and Human Services 4. Public Participation in Policy Making 5. Water Resources
2008-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/39
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1038/viewcontent/Tomkins_2008_CP_Using_Research_and_Engagement_to_Inform_Policy_Making.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1039
2010-09-28T16:05:14Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
NE211 Web Site a Source of Information for Early Childhood Professionals
Perkins, Teri L.
A brief overview of the NE211 Web site, a source of information for early childhood professionals.
2007-11-01T07:00:00Z
text
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/40
http://ectc.education.ne.gov/whatsup/2007-2008/Nov07/technology_ne211.html
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1040
2010-09-28T16:09:20Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
NE211 Web Site Includes Link to Summer Food Service Program Locations
Perkins, Teri L.
A reminder that the NE211 Web site includes link to summer food service program locations.
2008-07-01T07:00:00Z
text
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/41
http://ectc.education.ne.gov/whatsup/2007-2008/July08/technology_ne211.htm
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1041
2010-09-28T17:42:12Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Human Services Data Standards: Current Progress and Future Vision in Crisis Response
Shank, Nancy C.
Sokol, Brian
Hayes, Michelle L.
Vetrano, Christina
Interorganizational coordination is crucial among human services providers responsible for responding to both personal and widespread crises. Too often, however, agencies providing disaster relief, shelter, and connection to other social service systems operate in information silos. Moreover, organizations that assist the same people may be duplicating services or ineffectively providing services to those in need. In the past, there has been no easy way for human service organizations to share information about clients, resources, and services. Over the last decade, distinct initiatives have begun to standardize data collection, storage, and transmission standards within human service domains. This paper describes several human services standards currently in use or under development in the United States and discusses how each support distinct, yet related, human service information management during disasters. The paper concludes with a call for the development of an overarching human services data interoperability standard.
2008-05-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/42
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1041/viewcontent/Shank_2008_PICISCRM_Human_Services_Data_Standards.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Human services
Interoperability
Data standards
XML
Disaster
Information and referral
Homeless
CAN
HMIS
AIRS
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1044
2011-03-30T20:57:17Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
R (ON THE APPLICATIONOFAL SKEINI) V. SECRETARY OF DEFENCE: A LOOK AT THE UNITED KINGDOM'S EXTRATERRITORIAL OBLIGATIONS IN IRAQ AND BEYOND
Abdel-Monem, Tarik
Kennedy, Patrick J.D.
Apostolova, Ekaterina
On the evening of September 13, 2003, British soldiers from the Queen's Lancashire Regiment arrested several Iraqi men at a hotel in Basra. The soldiers took the hotel receptionist - Baha Mousa - and several other men to a holding facility previously used by the Iraqi Intelligence Service. Coalition personnel reportedly hooded the men, forced them into stress positions and severely beat them in the abdomen and genitals. Mousa was allegedly taken to another room where the soldiers further beat him. He later died. The death certificate issued after the incident indicated that Mousa had died of "cardio-respiratory arrest asphyxia." His family was later offered $3,000 in compensation.
Attorneys took Mousa's case - and five other claims by Iraqi plaintiffs about alleged killings by British forces - before the High Court of England and Wales, asserting that the British government violated human rights protections guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights through the U.K. Human Rights Act of 1998. The crucial question before the High Court was whether or not the United Kingdom was obligated to uphold European Convention rights and protections during its military occupation of Iraq. On December 14,2004, the High Court ruled in R (on the application of Al Skeini) v Secretary of State for Defence that U.K. jurisdiction extended to Iraq in the case of Mousa's death, and by virtue of its Convention obligations to prohibit torture and protect human life of persons within its jurisdiction, that the United Kingdom had violated the European Convention even though the death took place in Iraq. The Al Skeini case is a major ruling because it provides guidance on when the United Kingdom is obligated to uphold the European Convention on Human Rights in areas both outside its own borders and outside Europe itself.
2005-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/45
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1044/viewcontent/Abdel_Monem_2005_FJIL_R_on_the_Application_of_Al_Skeini_v_Secretary_of_Defence.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1045
2011-04-01T02:13:13Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
How Far Do the Lawless Areas of Europe Extend? Extraterritorial Application of the European Convention on Human Rights
Abdel-Monem, Tarik
In February of 2004, former Chechen President Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev was killed in Doha, Qatar, when his car was detonated by an explosive device. Local authorities later arrested three alleged Russian intelligence agents for his death, one of them holding a diplomatic passport. Two of the men admitted to being members of Russian intelligence services, and reported that the explosive used to kill Yandarbiyev was smuggled into Qatar through a diplomatic pouch. A U.S. official later stated that the arrests of the Russian agents were made with assistance to Qatar by the United States. After a diplomatic row between Russia and Qatar, the two suspects were tried and found guilty by a Qatari court, marking “the first time in recent history that a court has found that Russia, a key U.S. ally in the war on terrorism, itself employed terrorist tactics on foreign soil to eliminate one of its enemies.”
Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev’s assassination should not be treated as an isolated event. In an era characterized by increased military intervention abroad, international courts should be prepared toaddress claims of human rights violations committed by state actors in foreign territories. The principle question in such inquiries, however, is to what extent human rights treaty obligations extend beyond the territorial jurisdiction of states acting on foreign soil. This article examines the role of the European Convention on Human Rights, arguably one of the most important international human rights agreements, in addressing claims of human rights violations by member-states to the Convention committed on the soil of nations not party to the Convention. The Convention’s judiciary body — the European Court of Human Rights — has developed important precedents regarding alleged human rights violations committed in non-Convention nations and continues to grapple with the issue of the extraterritorial application of the Convention abroad. Most notably, the Court issued rulings in Banković and Others v. Belgium and 16 Other Contracting States, involving the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, and Öcalan v. Turkey, concerning the Turkish abduction of a Kurdish leader in Kenya, which speak to the Convention’s applicability to state actions in foreign nations
2005-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/46
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1045/viewcontent/Abdel_Monem_2005_JTLP_How_Far_Do_the_Lawless_Areas_of_Europe_Extend.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1042
2011-03-30T20:46:27Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Posting the Ten Commandments as a Historical Document in Public Schools
Abdel-Monem, Tarik
The notion of religion being introduced in a public school setting is a controversial and socially divisive topic. When the church encroaches on the state's domain, courts are called upon to adjudicate the matter as a constitutional issue. If public schools impose religion on students, courts invoke the Constitution's Establishment Clause, which states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion."
The courts should prepare themselves for a new round of Establishment Clause cases. "Hang Ten"-a movement to post the Ten Commandments in public schools and buildings-has arrived, raising intense debate in communities and state legislatures across the nation. By mid-May of 2000, three states had enacted laws allowing public schools to "Hang Ten" in classrooms, but with a caveat-only if the Ten Commandments are posted alongside documents like the Declaration of Independence or United States Constitution. According to "Hang Ten" proponents, such classroom displays ostensibly present the Ten Commandments as a historical document, not a religious tenet, contributing to a secular educational display of fundamental historic documents.
Is "Hang Ten" permissible under the Establishment Clause? Supreme Court decisions leave ample room for debate. In Stone v. Graham, the Court ruled that public schools could not post the Ten Commandments in classrooms because of its clear religious nature. In Stone, however, the Commandments hung alone. Instead, the constitutionality of "Hang Ten" could hinge on Lynch v. Donnelly and Allegheny v. ACLU. In those cases, the Court upheld government holiday displays of religious imagery-a nativity scene and menorah-because they were "secularized" by other items in the display that negated the religious nature of those two symbols."
There are movements to "Hang Ten" in government buildings and property in many communities, including schools, court houses, and municipal buildings in general. This Note focuses on "Hang Ten" displays in public schools, where the targeted audience-schoolchildren-may be particularly vulnerable to direct or subtle religious influence. This Note examines Stone, Lynch, Allegheny, and other Supreme Court cases that may provide an answer to the constitutional question prompted by "Hang Ten." Part II outlines the Supreme Court's development of Establishment Clause analyses in its case law, examines the characteristics of the Court's currently used "endorsement" analysis to church-state cases, reviews the Court's methods of determining government purpose behind religious activities, and examines the treatment of church-state cases involving schoolchildren. Part III provides background information on the Ten Commandments and the "Hang Ten" movement, suggests a framework for analyzing the constitutionality of "Hang Ten" displays, and proposes a result consistent with that framework. Part IV concludes with a recommendation that courts should strike down "Hang Ten" displays if they are intended to promote religious ideals. The author also offers some afterthoughts relevant to this new development in public schools.
2002-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/43
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1042/viewcontent/Abdel_Monem_2002_ILR_Posting_the_Ten_Commandments_as_a_Historical_Document_in_Public_Schools.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1043
2011-03-30T20:50:58Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS: CHECHNYA'S LAST CHANCE?
Abdel-Monem, Tarik
Since 1994, the wars between the Russian military and Chechen nationalist forces have resulted in "butchery and savagery on a scale and intensity recalling World War II" An estimated 100,000 persons may have been killed so far, the vast majority being civilians? In relation to other international crises, the conflict in Chechnya has been largely muted in the press, and the international community's reaction has been to marginalize the conflict as an "internal matter" of Russian affairs. In January 2003, for the first time, the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights (ECIIR or the Court) declared six petitions alleging the commission of human rights violations by Russian forces in Chechnya admissible. This Article examines the Court and its human rights case law as a potentially significant mechanism for the enforcement of human rights and redress in a war that has generated minimal interest on the international stage.
Part I of this Article provides a brief historical background to the current situation in Chechnya. It outlines a descriptive history of Chechnya and its experiences through the Tsarist and modem eras until its declaration of independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Part II outlines documented reports of alleged human rights violations committed by Russian forces in Chechnya since 1994. Reported violations include the commission of (A) torture of persons, including rape; (B) forced "disappearances" of civilians; and (C) presumed extrajudicial killings of civilians by Russian forces. Part III provides a descriptive outline of the ECHR based in Strasbourg. It examines the Court and its role as the Council of Europe's judicial body charged with upholding the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. Part N reviews (A) the lack of an effective international response to human rights violations in Chechnya; and (B) the claims in Khashiyev v. Russia and Akayeva v. Russia, the first cases deemed admissible by the Court charging Russian forces with committing human rights violations in Gromy in 2000.
Part V of this Article proceeds to examine previous ECHR case law involving facts and claims applicable to the human rights situation in Chechnya. Many, but not all of these cases, stem from military operations conducted by Turkish forces against Kurdish separatists in the early-mid 1990s. Particular aspects of the Court's holdings examined in these cases include its treatment of (A) the obligation imposed by Article 2 of the European Human Rights Convention to investigate deaths of individuals resulting from the alleged use of fatal force by government agents; (B) the obligation imposed by Article 3 of the European Convention to protect individuals held in government custody; (C) principles involving the exhaustion of domestic remedies for redress and the availability of an effective domestic remedy for aggrieved parties seeking investigation of alleged human rights violations; and (D) the development of Court case law involving the establishment of presumptions of custody and death in "forced disappearance" cases. Part VI concludes this Article with a review of how the ECHR may treat claims of human rights abuses evolving from the conflict in Chechnya. This development will hopefully provide some forn of justice for Chechen victims of war crimes committed by Russian forces and deter ongoing abuses in the Republic of Chechnya.
2004-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/44
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1043/viewcontent/Abdel_Monem_2004_VLR_The_European_Court_of_Human_Rights.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1047
2011-03-30T21:07:39Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
PRECEDENT OF THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS TO THE CIA'S HIGH VALUE DETAINEES PROGRAM IN AND THROUGH EUROPE
Abdel-Monem, Tarik
Rendering terror suspects to nations that permit the use of torture is one of several methods the United States has added to its national security arsenal in recent decades. News leaks and reports regarding the "outsourcing of terror" are not new, especially after September 11, 2001. According to a former CIA official, "[w]e pick up a suspect or we arrange for one of our partner countries to do it. Then the suspect is placed on civilian transport to a third country where, let's make no bones about it, they use torture. If you want a good interrogation, you send someone to Jordan."
Jordan is a United States ally that is - according to other former officials - "willing to help any way they can" and has "the most professional and sophisticated interrogators [the United States] can rely on." Reports by Amnesty Internationaland other news sources have identified Jordan as a transit or destination point for terror suspects apprehended in Afghanistan or Pakistan. Allegations of torture associated with the rendition of terror suspects to Jordan should not be surprising. A U.S. State Department country report on human rights in Jordan that was released on March 6, 2007, referred to a number of torture allegations and other basic human rights violations committed by its government.
2007-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/48
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1047/viewcontent/Abdel_Monem_2007_STLR_Precedent_of_the_European_Convention_on_Human_Rights_to_the_CIAs_High_Value_Detainees_Program_in_and_T.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1048
2011-03-30T21:10:39Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
A Citizen Deliberation on Education Policy
On Monday, October 24th, 2005, 130 Central Nebraskans gathered at the University of Nebraska at Kearney to participate in the MacNeil/Lehrer Productions’ By the People citizen deliberation project (see http://www.pbs.org/newshour/btp/). By the People, an effort to bring the opinions of informed citizens into debates on public policy, was launched in 2002 and has supported more than 100 citizen deliberations around the country. The October 2005 By the People included citizen deliberations in 15 cities, from San Diego, California, to New Haven, Connecticut, focusing on either healthcare or education policy issues. The Nebraska By the People focused on K-12 education policy issues, including a discussion of adequate educational services, standards and testing, and education finance in Nebraska. The Kearney event was a collaborative effort of Nebraska Educational Telecommunications, the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center.
2005-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/49
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1048/viewcontent/BTP_2005_ReportFinal.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1051
2011-05-06T16:26:03Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Disaster Mental Health
Bulling, Denise
Abdel-Monem, Tarik
People have always given aid and comfort to each other during times of disaster. However, attempts to structure and professionalize this assistance are fairly recent developments. Disaster mental health, as an evolving field of practice and study, is a collection of interventions and practices that are designed to address incident-specific stress reactions, rather than ongoing or developmental mental health needs. Traditional mental health practice is based on a medical model, with a clinician seeing a patient in an office setting. Disaster mental health introduces a paradigm shift, requiring that practitioners (clinicians and indigenous helpers) work with individuals and whole communities in the field rather than in an office.
This is similar to the clinical conceptualization of community psychology. Disaster mental health practitioners, like community psychologists, are likely to view emotional distress through a sociological lens that focuses on normal experiences rather than on pathological responses following disaster.
Different mental health disciplines (e.g., social work, psychology, and psychiatry) have varying levels of exposure to systemic interventions used in community psychology models and practices. The difference in how disaster mental health practice is viewed is critical to the development of organized systems of intervention that address individual and collective mental health needs after a disaster. If disaster mental health is viewed from the sociological standpoint, intervention systems are more likely to reflect the kinds of supports that people rely upon in day-to-day living. If disaster mental health is approached using a medical model, intervention systems are designed to identify and treat maladaptive or pathological reactions to disaster. Disaster mental health interventions have evolved from both of these traditions.
2009-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/52
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1051/viewcontent/BULLING_ET_AL_2009_WEFS_Disaster_Mental_Health__DC_VERSION.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1046
2011-03-30T21:05:02Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Chechens Win First Claims in the European Court of Human Rights in <i>Khashiyev & Akayeva v. Russia</i>
Abdel-Monem, Tarik
In Khashiyev & Akayeva v. Russia, the European Court of Human Rights unanimously found Russia in violation of Article 2-right to lifeand Article 3-prohibition of torture-of the European Convention on Human Rights ("the Convention") 2 for its military operations in the Republic of Chechnya. The Court also found Russia in violation of Article 13- right to an effective remedy-by a vote of five to two. Khashiyev and Akayeva were the first of six claims filed with the Court in early 2000 against Russia for alleged violations of the Convention in its war against Chechen nationalists.
The plaintiffs in Khashiyev were nationals of the Russian Federation living in Grozny. In the fall of 1999, elements of the Russian army attacked and gradually encircled Grozny in an attempt to engage Chechen separatist forces, suffering significant casualties in the process. By January 20, 2000, after fierce fighting, the Russian military had gained control of the city. In early February of 2000, Western human rights organizations began issuing reports alleging that Russian forces had engaged in summary executions of civilians in Grozny and other areas. Plaintiffs Khashiyev and Akayeva both claimed that during this period of time, Russian soldiers tortured and killed their relatives. 9 They later appealed to the European Court of Human Rights for relief. On December 19, 2002, the Court joined their Article 2, 3, and 13 claims and admitted the case for review.
2006-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/47
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1046/viewcontent/Abdel_Monem_2006_CILJ_Chechens_Win_First_Claims_in_the_European_Court_of_Human_Rights_in_Khashiyev_and_Akayeva_v_Russia.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1049
2011-03-30T21:17:01Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
By The People: Dialogues In Democracy Immigration and Nebraska
On Sunday, October 14th, 2007, 100 residents of the City of Omaha gathered at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) campus to engage in a By The People: Dialogues in Democracy deliberation. The By The People project is a national-local partnership intended to foster civic dialogue about important public policy issues facing the nation. MacNeil/Lehrer Productions has led the initiative on the national level since 2002. In Nebraska, a collaborative partnership between NET Television and the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center has convened By The People deliberations since 2004.
Besides Omaha, ten other communities across the nation participated in the 2007 By The People: Dialogues in Democracy initiative – Albuquerque, NM; Baton Rouge, LA; Bowling Green, OH; Cleveland, OH; Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Kansas City, MO; New Haven, CT; Rochester, NY; and Seattle, WA. Participating communities chose different topics of discussion for their deliberation, ranging from health care to transportation to the environment. The Omaha project partners chose immigration as the topic of discussion.
2007-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/50
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1049/viewcontent/BTPImmigrationReportFinal_2007.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1050
2011-03-30T21:20:07Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
A Quarterly Technical Assistance Bulletin on Disaster Behavioral Health
Disaster behavioral health is more than a set of clinical interventionsor the delivery of psychological first aid. The behavioral health response has to be organized and deployed in a way that fits with the greater response to disaster or our ability to reach those who could benefit from education or intervention will be limited. ICS principles provide a common base from which to begin a conversation about organizing a comprehensive behavioral health response to disaster that fits within an overall response structure. ICS is a standard, on-scene, all-hazards incident management system that is already in use by firefighters, hazardous materials teams, rescuers, and emergency medical teams.
2007-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/51
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1050/viewcontent/BULLING_2007_DIALOGUE_Ask_the_Field.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1052
2011-03-30T21:27:22Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
A Case Study in Data Sharing: 211 Helplink and the AIRS XSD
Cottingham, Ian
Kutsch, Ben
Shank, Nancy C
The Coordinated Assistance Network (CAN) helps communities prepare for and respond to disasters. The ability to exchange up‐to‐date information about resources and clients is central to effective response. To facilitate the exchange of resource data, CAN has been working with information & referral organizations, namely 2‐1‐1s, to ensure that their existing data about community services may be easily and quickly shared with CAN in the event of disaster. CAN has been working with 211 Helplink (San Francisco, California) to develop an exchange using the data standard developed by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems, AIRS XSD 2.07. The data exchange has failed. The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center and the University of Nebraska‐Lincoln Department of Computer Science and Engineering agreed to analyze the exports, determine the failure points, and make recommendations for this and future data exchanges.
2008-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/53
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1052/viewcontent/Cottingham_2008_211_Helplink_Case_Study_Final_Report_6_25_2008.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1054
2018-04-19T14:34:40Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Conceptual Framework for Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Alternatives
Lynne, Gary D.
Kruse, Colby E.
The earth has a limited atmospheric capacity to absorb more greenhouse gases generally, and carbon dioxide in particular. It also has a limited capacity for agricultural lands to store a stock of carbon that might be drawn from the atmosphere and thus help alleviate the global warming problem. There are alternative mechanisms and mixes of mechanisms that might be used to address both scarcities and to work within the atmospheric limits on emissions and agricultural limits represented the capacity of soil and land to store carbon. These include a) government regulation, b) tax and subsidy programs, c) spontaneous evolution of markets, and d) cap and trade mechanisms.
An overview of each type of mechanism highlights the problems they incur. While subsidy and regulation programs have helped address a variety of natural resources conservation problems, some level of these problems generally persists and may be affected by changes in funding levels. Also, while a number of new activities have been stirred by the Kyoto Protocol, including carbon banks, international carbon certification firms and environmental product financial and brokerage firms, and unique public-private sector partnerships, perhaps none of this will produce much of substance unless governments first set carbon dioxide emission limits. It has become clear that in order to solve such public good problems, i.e., where there is little individual incentive to invest in solving the problem, that government approaches and markets must be jointly designed and implemented.
The public policy experiment with sulfur provides an example of how a market system might work if emission caps were in place. Government set emission limits in 1990. During the last 10 years or so, we have experienced the emergence of an active and quite effective sulfur allowances market. The market is helping firms find the least cost way to meet the emissions limits set through governmental action. Lessons learned in setting caps, distributing initial allowances, and facilitating sulfur allowances trading suggest that marketing can work; politics may play a lesser role than we might anticipate; markets where no markets existed before can develop; trading is surprisingly adaptive and can handle surprises; and, care must be taken to not give away too many allowances at the outset. Generally, the sulfur market has been deemed by most observers to be a success, reflecting a joint legitimization of both the government and the market. It is worth exploring the degree to which factors involved in carbon markets may be similar to or different from those involved in the sulfur market.
In regards to carbon sequestration the direction most often discussed in the U.S. and on the global scene moves away from direct regulations; green payment and subsidy, as well as programs that tax pollutants. The direction, rather, seems in part toward the baseline and credit systems that are largely spontaneous responses by the private sector to governmental emissions caps or the prospect of those caps. The latter involves both proactive government and equally proactive private parties to the market,.. A case study approach could be taken wherein a carbon storage market mechanism could be designed and tested in Nebraska. A simulated market might be developed as a case study and perhaps tested with actual trades in carbon offsets in stock (COIS) certificates representing carbon stored in Nebraska land.
During the interim, and while such a test case is demonstrated, Nebraskans need to carefully watch the progress of two pieces of legislation moving through the U.S. congress, one titled the “Conservation Security Act of 2001” and the other “The Clean Power Act of 2001.” The former proposes green payments to farmers and ranchers for applying certain kinds of conservation practices and technologies that, among other things, lead to more carbon being sequestered and stored in agricultural land. The latter set carbon emission limits on U.S. power plants at the level of emissions in 1990, which could well lead to emission allowance markets in carbon. Intriguingly, the two acts run somewhat counter to each other, in that the former does not propose to use market forces to solve the carbon problem while the latter does so. It remains an open question as to where the U. S. Congress will move on these two fronts, with the outcome having substantive implications for the next steps that Nebraskans might take to be a part of the solution to the carbon and global warming problem.
2001-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/55
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1054/viewcontent/LYNNE_ET_AL_2001_Conceptual_Framework_for_Greenhouse_Gas_Sequestration_Alternatives.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1055
2017-11-12T16:34:31Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Challenges of Collaborative Water-Related Decision Making
Michaels, Sarah
Herpel, Rachael
Swainson, Becky
Now more than ever in making decisions about water, including the protection of source water, there is concern about the process and context in which decisions are made. Historically, government agencies have dominated decision making using a top down approach. More recently, however, a wider array of participants is included in water-related decision making processes. Goals underlying this shift can include democratizing the process, adding legitimacy to the outcomes, strengthening the capacity of local communities, and increasing likelihood of plan implementation.
There is much enthusiasm for these joint decision making endeavours, at least on a conceptual basis. However, there also are reasons for caution. Four characteristics of collaborative decision making processes can result in frustration and uncertainty for participants.
2010-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/56
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1055/viewcontent/Michaels_2010_CWN_SWPG_Brief2.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1053
2017-07-18T18:41:19Z
publication:ppcscalora
publication:publicpolicypublications
publication:publicpolicycenter
Documentation of Violence Risk Information in Psychiatric Hospital Patient Charts: An Empirical Examination
Elbogen, Eric B.
Tomkins, Alan J.
Pothuloori, Antara P.
Scalora, Mario
Studies have identified risk factors that show a strong association with violent behavior in psychiatric populations. Yet, little research has been conducted on the documentation of violence risk information in actual clinical practice, despite the relevance of such documentation to risk assessment liability and to conducting effective risk management. In this study, the documentation of cues of risk for violence were examined in psychiatric settings. Patient charts (n = 283) in four psychiatric settings were reviewed for documentation of violence risk informationsummarized in the MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study. The results revealed that particular patient and institutional variables influenced documentation practices. The presence of personality disorder, for example, predicted greater documentation of cues of violence risk, regardless of clinical setting. These findings have medicolegal implications for risk assessment liability and clinical implications for optimizing risk management in psychiatric practice.
2003-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/54
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1053/viewcontent/ELBOGEN_ET_AL_2003_JAAPL_Documentation_of_Violence_Risk_Information_in_Psychiatric_Hospital_Patient_Charts_An_Empirical_Exam.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1056
2011-03-30T21:39:45Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Carbon Sequestration, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Nebraska Agriculture – Background and Potential
Scientists believe that rising levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are contributing to global warming, although to what extent is difficult to determine. While limiting fossil fuel consumption is one method of reducing emissions of carbon to the atmosphere, another is sequestering carbon sources on the land. Carbon sequestration is the use of practices, technologies, or other measures that increase the retention of carbon in soil, vegetation, geologic formations, or the oceans with the effect of offsetting carbon dioxide emissions from other sources.
Nebraska’s agricultural producers can help address greenhouse gas concerns by implementing practices that cause the land to act as a sink for carbon, by decreasing emissions of greenhouse gases from agricultural production activities, or by participating in other activities such as biofuels production (which can provide a substitute for fossil fuel use). Many of the activities that increase the organic content of soils, and thus sequester carbon, also increase agricultural productivity as well as improve soil, air and water quality.
With Nebraska’s large agricultural land base, the state’s landowners could potentially profit from carbon sequestration if certain types of carbon trading or other financial incentives are put in place. Yet there are very significant questions about whether substantial carbon trading markets will develop in the United States and, if so, what form they might take. At this point in time there has been no federal government action that would result in development of strong carbon markets in this country.
An agreement on rules for implementing an international agreement, the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, was reached in Marrakech, Morocco in November 2001. The agreement would restrict future greenhouse gas emissions by industrialized countries and provide for trading of credits by countries to offset greenhouse gas emissions. However, the Protocol has not yet been ratified by the requisite number of nations for it to take effect and is opposed by the President of the United States. Would the United States be able to participate in the potential resulting carbon market if it was not party to the Kyoto Protocol? International developments bear monitoring as they continue to unfold.
The United States currently contributes over 18% of the world’s emissions of the three major greenhouse gases in global warming potential, while only having about 5% of the world’s population. U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates have indicated that cropland has the potential to sequester about 154 million metric tons of carbon per year, or about 8.4% of total U.S. emissions. Another source indicates that cropland could sequester as much as 123 to 295 million metric tons annually, including potential offset from use of biofuels, reduced fuel usage, and reduction of eroded sediments. Nebraska cropland management practices currently sequester about 1.7 million metric tons of carbon per year. It is estimated that this level of sequestration can be maintained and increased to 2.3 million metric tons if all cropland is converted to a no tillage management system. Agroforestry in Nebraska has an estimated potential to sequester 82 to 165 million metric tons in carbon storage value at a point 40 years after planting. Forestry in Nebraska has an estimated storage potential of almost 50 million metric tons at that 40-year point.
2001-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/57
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1056/viewcontent/NDNR_2001_carbon_sequestration_report.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1058
2011-03-30T21:44:01Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Comprehensive Community Initiatives (CCI): A Comparison of Community Implementation Plans
Perkins, Teri L.
People in crisis often require multiple community services. A homeless person may need medical health care and behavioral health care, along with shelter. A woman who is the victim of domestic abuse may need help with childcare, transportation, food, and emergency housing. Comprehensive community initiatives (CCIs) attempt to provide this interrelated range of community services.
CCIs developed as a part of community building efforts in the late 1980’s (Kubisch, 1996; Stagner and Duran, 1997). “Comprehensive” can either refer to an initiative that incorporates social, educational, cultural, physical, and economic development in a community or to an initiative whose purpose is to coordinate a system of services, rather than offer isolated services (Kubisch; Parachini and Covington, 2001; Stagner and Duran). The “community” involved in a CCI may be a neighborhood, city, or county.
The goal of some initiatives is to build a strong community by developing local capacity that will be effective in dealing with problems the community may face in the future (Kubisch, 1996). Other initiatives aim to pool funding from separate programs (O’Brien, 1997) and coordinate social services across programs to make them more available to all people in need (Stagner and Duran, 1997).
2002-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/59
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1058/viewcontent/PERKINS_2002_Comprehensive_Community_Initiatives_CCI_A_Comparison_of_Community_Implementation_Plans.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1060
2011-03-30T21:47:41Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
COMMUNITY SERVICES IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT
In November 2000, the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center (PPC) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center on Children, Families and the Law (CCFL) entered into a partnership with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Joint Budget Committee (JBC) and United Way of Lincoln/Lancaster County (UW). The purpose of this University-Community partnership has been to facilitate implementation of the Lincoln/Lancaster County Human Services Three-Year Comprehensive Plan (Plan). It has since become known as C-SIP (the Community Services Implementation Project). PPC and CCFL have been serving in a coordinating and technical assistance role for the overall process including: providing staff support and technical assistance for the Steering Committee, the Advisory Committee, and related subcommittees; providing staff support and technical assistance for six Community Coalitions (with occasional technical assistance provided to the Family Violence Coalition upon request); assisting Coalition Co-Chairs in their facilitation role; developing and maintaining the C-SIP database and website; and, developing the benchmark data infrastructure and data collection process to establish a baseline to compare with future years.
2002-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/61
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1060/viewcontent/PPC_2002_Community_Services_Implementation_Project_Year_2_Progress_Report_July_1_2001_to_June_30_2002.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1061
2011-03-30T21:50:20Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Community Services Implementation Project Year 3 Progress Report and Proposed Project Plan for Year 4
In November 2000, the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center (PPC) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center on Children, Families and the Law (CCFL) entered into a partnership with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Joint Budget Committee (JBC) and United Way of Lincoln/Lancaster County (UW). During Year 2, the Lincoln Community Foundation and Woods Charitable Fund, Inc. joined the partnership. The purpose of this University-Community partnership, the Community Services Implementation Project (C-SIP), has been to facilitate implementation of the Lincoln/Lancaster County Human Services Three-Year Comprehensive Plan (Plan). PPC and CCFL have been serving a coordinating and technical assistance role for the overall process including: providing staff support and technical assistance for the Steering Committee, the Advisory Committee, and related subcommittees; providing staff support and technical assistance for the Community Coalitions; assisting Community Coalition Co-Chairs in their facilitation role; developing and maintaining the C-SIP database and website; and, developing the benchmark data infrastructure and data collection process to establish a baseline to compare with future years.
2003-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/62
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1061/viewcontent/PPC_2003_Community_Services_Implementation_Project_Year_3_Progress_Report_July_1_2002_to_June_30_2003_and_Proposed_Project_P.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1063
2011-03-30T21:55:04Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Consumer Opinions on Genetically Modified Food: A Community Discussion August 2005
On Saturday, August 20, 2005, 48 residents of Lancaster County gathered at Gere Branch Library in Lincoln to participate in a “Citizen Deliberation on Genetically Modified Food.” A citizen deliberation is a technique used to promote informed and thoughtful public discussion on public affairs or policy issues and a means for gauging considered (as opposed to off-the-cuff) public opinions. The purpose of the discussion was to gauge informed public opinion on genetically modified food products and whether they should be labeled. The event was co-sponsored by the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center (http://www.ppc.nebraska.edu/edu/) and a local community leadership development organization, Leadership Lincoln (http://www.leadershiplincoln.org/).
2005-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/64
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1063/viewcontent/PPC_2005_Consumer_Opinions_on_Genetically_Modified_Foods_A_Community_Discussion.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1064
2011-03-30T21:57:30Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Energy and The Future
Debate over energy policy in the United States has reached its pinnacle in recent years. Among the key issues that have pushed energy into the spotlight is concern over foreign oil dependence, competition for scarce resources from growing economies, and a mounting scientific and popular consensus that global climate change is a serious challenge of irreversible proportion.
The planet’s population is increasing, living longer, and in fast developing economies like China and India—getting wealthier—a combination of forces leading to both greater consumption of energy and increased production of greenhouse gases. Finding clean, alternative energy sources has thus become a critical issue. Yet the country remains dependent on traditional fossil fuels—in 2006 only 9.5% of electricity generated in the United States was from renewable energy sources. With much at stake, policymakers, scientists, and activists believe we are at a crossroads when it comes to making decisions about energy use and policy.
How does Nebraska fit into this global picture? Nebraska enjoys a relatively unique position in terms of energy use and future prospects. As a public power state, the cost of electricity in Nebraska is inexpensive—the state is ranked 46th in retail electricity costs—6.07 cents per kilowatt hour, compared to a national average of 8.9 cents. For many years, residents of the state have enjoyed cheap electricity. However, Nebraskans themselves tend to use a lot of energy. In 2004, the Energy Information Administration ranked Nebraska 18th in the nation in terms of per capita energy consumption. Like a lot of other states, the majority of Nebraska’s electricity is generated from traditional fossil fuels. Coal generated 58% of Nebraska’s electricity in 2006. The state’s two nuclear reactors produced another 35%.
Newer sources of energy have been making headway in Nebraska. As one of the nation’s top producers of corn, the corn-based ethanol industry has expanded rapidly in the state with government support, making Nebraska a leading producer and bringing with it high hopes for economic prosperity. As biofuel technology and innovation develop, other forms of biomass may become promising substitutes for traditional gasoline. Wind energy has also gained recent attention within Nebraska, and may become a boon for undeveloped rural areas. Finally, questions remain about the future role of nuclear power in an increasingly energy hungry world. Despite concerns about safety and waste storage, will nuclear power re-emerge as a viable substitute for fossil fuel-produced electricity?
Nebraska’s diverse energy potential offers promises and pitfalls. Energy will play a key role in the state’s commercial and economic development for years to come. How should Nebraska address these issues?
2008-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/65
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1064/viewcontent/PPC_2008_Energy_and_the_Future.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1065
2011-03-30T21:59:36Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Agricultural Property Taxation: A Comparative Analysis
Raddatz, Brandon G.Y.
Johnson, Bruce
The purpose of this study was to update a terminated Economic Research Service-USDA information series comparing property taxes across states. The top 25 a gricultural producing states were studied along with Wyoming since it shares a border with the focused state, Nebraska.
State departments of revenue personnel from each of the states were surveyed and tax information compiled which provided the means to update the comparative tax analysis to 1998 for 19 of the 26 states. The remaining sta tes lacked sufficient data to complete this update.
1999-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/66
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1065/viewcontent/Raddatz_1999_ag_property_taxation.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1067
2011-03-30T22:08:04Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Are court-appointed experts the solution to the problems of expert testimony?
Champagne, Anthony
Easterling, Danny
Shuman, Daniel W.
Tomkins, Alan
Whitaker, Elizabeth
In contrast with the legal systems of many other countries, the use of privately-retained experts is the subject of intense criticism. Critics argue that privately-retained experts bias the information provided to courts because attorneys shop for experts who will present their point of view in the most favorable light, even though that point of view may not be the mainstream scientific one or appropriately reflect the consensus of technical or specialized knowledge. Others argue that the use of retained experts permits non-mainstream perspectives to be brought into court and gives judges little control over its introduction, and that privately-retained experts can be ex-pensive, since it is likely there will be a "battle of the experts. " Finally, critics argue that privately-retained experts can easily lose their objectivity since even competent experts feel pressure to accommodate their views to their attorney-employers.
2001-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/68
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1067/viewcontent/Tomkins_2001_judicature_article.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1068
2011-03-30T22:10:15Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Disaster Chaplains who provide Spiritual First Aid
Walles, Caroline
For almost three years, Nebraska has been viewing disaster behavioral health as an integral component of the response which takes place at the time of a disaster. In fact, the need for disaster behavioral health as part of the immediate or first response to a disaster has been written into the state’s formal disaster plan. However, because there is a shortage of behavioral health providers in Nebraska (88 of 93 counties are considered shortage areas) partnerships with “natural helpers” – including clergy and faith leaders – are being forged. Out of this necessity has come the Nebraska Disaster Chaplain Network, a creative expansion of the first responder resource pool.
Disaster Chaplains are providers of “Spiritual First Aid.” In essence, they are like providers of physical first aid – recognizing that they do not have the qualifications of CPE trained chaplains – but they do have the capacity to be present, listen, support and comfort. They have to undergo an elaborate screening process, including an interdisciplinary interview, a background check and an agreement to abide by a code of ethics and guiding principles which establishes that proselytizing is not acceptable.
2006-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/69
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1068/viewcontent/WALLES_2006_PLAINVIEWS_Dance_of_Disaster.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1059
2011-03-30T21:46:35Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Enhancing Rural Sustainability Project Status Report
For the past year, the PPC has been working to identify a small list of key issues related to enhancing rural sustainability that would benefit from University research, with special attention paid to research activities already underway or in the planning process at the University. We also have been considering procedural options to determine the best way to facilitate the research to be conducted.
2001-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/60
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1059/viewcontent/PPC_2001_Enhancing_Rural_Sustainablity_Project_Status_Report_January_2001.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1057
2011-04-01T04:24:49Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Diversity in the Legal Profession
Neeley, Elizabeth
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, 12.7% of Nebraska's population is African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, or another minority group defined by the U.S. Census. According to both the 2000 U.S. Census and the Nebraska State Bar Association, only 2.4% of the state's attorneys identify themselves as ethnic or racial minorities. In fact, ofthe 4,800 attorneys in the state of Nebraska, only 115 identify themselves as ethnic or racial minorities and none of the attorneys that identified themselves as ethnic or racial minorities live west of Lincoln, (in the eastern third of the state). These factors have led to fears on the part of many of Nebraska's leaders that the state's minority court consumers, both civil and criminal, face a court system that is unrepresentative and likely perceived as hostile.
Data collected by the Minority and Justice Task Force indicate that these perceptions have basis in fact. In 2002, the Minority and Justice Task Force traveled to communities across Nebraska soliciting testimony from the public on issues relevant to race and ethnicity in the courts.
2004-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/58
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1057/viewcontent/NEELEY_2004_NL_Diversity_in_the_Legal_Profession.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1062
2011-03-30T21:52:58Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
COMMUNITY SERVICES IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT Year 4 Progress Report and Project Plan for Year 5
In November 2000, the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center (PPC) and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Center on Children, Families and the Law (CCFL) entered into a partnership with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Joint Budget Committee (JBC) and the United Way of Lincoln/Lancaster County (UW). During Year 2, the Lincoln Community Foundation and Woods Charitable Fund, Inc. joined the partnership. In Year 4, the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools and the J.C. Seacrest Trust also became partners.
The purpose of the Community Services Implementation Project (C-SIP), a University-Community partnership, has been to facilitate implementation of the Lincoln/Lancaster County Human Services Three-Year Comprehensive Plan. Many of the activities of the previous three years are ongoing; however, one important change occurred in Year 4: the project has been renamed the Community Services Initiative (CSI). The Planning Cabinet thought this name better reflected the changed nature of the project as it matured. The process implementation work is completed. CSI is an ongoing initiative seeking to achieve real change in the community.
The PPC and CCFL continue in their coordination and technical assistance role.They maintain the CSI website, database, and benchmark data infrastructure as well as oversee the data collection process. They also provide staff support and technical assistance for the Community Coalitions and Co-Chairs.
2004-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/63
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1062/viewcontent/PPC_2004_Community_Services_Initiative_Year_4_Progress_Report_July_1_2003_to_June_30_2004_and_Project_Plan_for_Year_5_July_1.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1066
2011-03-30T22:02:37Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Carbon Sequestration Policy and Global Warming: A Legal Analysis
Thorson, Norman W.
Spencer, Harry A.
Global warming seems destined to become one of the defining issues of the twenty-first century. Most scientists now agree that measurable increases in average global mean temperatures over the past decades cannot be explained by natural temporal variations in the earth’s climate. Instead, global warming appears to be a fact that can be attributed to human induced changes in the composition of greenhouse gasses in the earth’s atmosphere. Moreover, if the trend toward ever increasing temperatures continues, consequences for the earth’s environment will be dramatic, and perhaps irreversible. Growing concern over the potential for human activities to alter the earth’s climate has precipitated a flurry of proposals designed to address the problem. Most notably, an international agreement to address the issue, the Framework Convention on Climate Change,1 was adopted in 1992. That agreement, and the fact that it has been signed and ratified by most nations on earth, including the United States, is testament to the significance and seriousness of the issue.
The Greenhouse Effect and its Vulnerability to Human Induced ChangesEarth’s climate is warmed and moderated by gases in the atmosphere that trap the sun’s heat, notably water vapor and carbon dioxide. These gases allow radiant energy from the sun in the form of visible light to pass through and reach the earth’s surface where it is converted into heat. Some of this heat is reflected from the earth’s surface in the form of infrared radiation. Certain gasses, including carbon dioxide, absorb a portion of this heat energy and reradiate it back toward the surface of the earth, much as a greenhouse allows sunlight to enter and heat the interior, but where the roof and walls retain the heat. The greenhouse effect is critical to maintaining life on the planet. Absent greenhouse gasses, heat energy would be reflected back into deep space and average planetary temperatures would be some 60 degrees Fahrenheit colder than they are today.
2001-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/67
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1066/viewcontent/Thorson_2001_carbonsequest_legalissues.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1069
2017-12-22T15:48:36Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Targeted Capacity Expansion Grants to Enhance State Capacity for Emergency Mental Health and Substance Abuse Response
Bulling, Denise
Harvey, James S.
The Division of Behavioral Health Services within the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is authorized under the Nebraska Behavioral Health Services Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. 71-801 to 71-820). The Division of Behavioral Health Services extended through September 30, 2005 its Intergovernmental Agreement (#HHSBH-04-Emergency Response – 1) with the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center to coordinate and manage the second year activities of the Nebraska All-Hazards Behavioral Health Response and Recovery Capacity Expansion Grant, in coordination with activities funded by a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) hospital preparedness bioterrorism grant.
2006-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/70
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1069/viewcontent/BULLING_2006_PPC_Substance_Abuse_and_Mental_Health_Services_Administration_SAMHSA_Final_Progress_Report.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1070
2011-04-20T21:51:49Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Comprehensive Community Initiatives (CCI): A Comparison of Community Implementation Plans
Perkins, Teri
People in crisis often require multiple community services. A homeless person may need medical health care and behavioral health care, along with shelter. A woman who is the victim of domestic abuse may need help with childcare, transportation, food, and emergency housing. Comprehensive community initiatives (CCIs) attempt to provide this interrelated range of community services.
CCIs developed as a part of community building efforts in the late 1980’s (Kubisch, 1996; Stagner and Duran, 1997). “Comprehensive” can either refer to an initiative that incorporates social, educational, cultural, physical, and economic development in a community or to an initiative whose purpose is to coordinate a system of services, rather than offer isolated services (Kubisch; Parachini and Covington, 2001; Stagner and Duran). The “community” involved in a CCI may be a neighborhood, city, or county.
The goal of some initiatives is to build a strong community by developing local capacity that will be effective in dealing with problems the community may face in the future (Kubisch, 1996). Other initiatives aim to pool funding from separate programs (O’Brien, 1997) and coordinate social services across programs to make them more available to all people in need (Stagner and Duran, 1997). CCIs may focus on a broad goal, such as better and more responsive services, or a more specific goal, such as decreasing teen pregnancy rates (Stagner and Duran).
2002-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/71
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1070/viewcontent/PERKINS_2002_PPC_Comprehensive_Community_Initiatives_CCI_A_Comparison_of_Community_Implementation_Plans.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1071
2011-04-20T21:54:38Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
THE IMPACT OF EARNINGS OF NEBRASKANS WITH DISABILITIES ON THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR SELECTED SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center
Many states, Nebraska included, have been actively developing programs to promote competitive employment for persons with disabilities. Buy-In programs (enabling persons with disabilities with increased earned income to continue to Medicaid eligibility) have become a keystone program in states’ efforts. States are implementing Buy-In programs (and related programs and supports) not as welfare programs, but as programs that help states make productive use of all of their human capital resources. Many policymakers support Buy-In programs as a means to increase workers with disabilities’ participation as productive citizens of states. That is, such programs are seen as a means to “enhance a state’s economic status; not simply as a means to enhance access to health care” (Jensen, Silverstein, Folkemer, and Straw, 2002, p. 5). This perspective may be particularly helpful as policymakers wrestle with the costs and benefits of such programs.
2002-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/72
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1071/viewcontent/PERKINS_ET_AL_2002_PPC_The_Impact_of_Earnings_of_Nebraskans_with_Disabilities_on_Their_Eligibility_for_Selected_Services_and.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1072
2017-11-16T21:45:43Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Fusion Project Evaluation (2006-2009)
Perkins, Teri
Shank, Nancy
The Fusion Project, funded through a grant from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), was a three year project in Lincoln, Nebraska targeting four refugee ethnic communities: African; Asian; Eastern European; and Middle Eastern. The project’s goals were for:
• the refugee communities to work together to share and learn about developing vibrant ethnic communities;
• each refugee family to achieve self-sufficiency and social and civic integration into their new country and community; and
• Lincoln’s mainstream community to be better equipped to work with refugees.
The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center served as the project evaluator to assess Fusion’s success in reaching the stated goals. Stories and perceptions of the project’s activities and their impact were related by Fusion Project participants and served as the basis of the evaluation. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with project staff members and representatives of participating mainstream community organizations. Interviewees were asked about their experiences with the Fusion Project, the perceived impact of the project, what was successful, what wasn’t as effective, and if they had suggestions for what might be done differently.
2009-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/73
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1072/viewcontent/PERKINS_ET_AL_2009_Fusion_Project_Evaluation_2006_2009.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1073
2017-11-16T21:47:39Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Expanded Learning Opportunities Updated Fund Mapping 2010
Perkins, Teri
Shank, Nancy
Cole, Jeff
In January 2008, Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman hosted the Governor’s Summit for Expanded Learning Opportunities. The Summit explored collaborative efforts of schools and community leaders to create expanded learning opportunities for Nebraska’s children and youth. Following the event, Governor Heineman asked the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation and the Nebraska Community Learning Centers Network to map funding for expanded learning opportunities in Nebraska.
Fund mapping ties into the long term goal of the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation and the Nebraska Community Learning Centers Network to promote greater efficiencies through increased coordination, advocate for additional support for projects that meet the needs of children, families, and communities, and enhance the ability to build a broad constituency for additional, stable cross-sector funding for such community-based initiatives.
In August 2008 a report, Expanded Learning Opportunity Fund Mapping Project, was released. The report summarized federal and state funding available for expanded learning opportunities, and summarized surveys of Nebraska expanded learning opportunities programs’ reports of their financial support. The 2008 report was used to identify funding opportunities and build collaborations with non-traditional expanded learning opportunities partners.
Federal funding opportunities, particularly those available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), along with feedback from state and local partners, created a desire to update the Fund Mapping report. The updated report, Expanded Learning Opportunities: Updated Fund Mapping, updates funding figures, includes ARRA funding, includes additional state funding information, and reorganizes the content for easier reading.
Copies and subsequent updates to this report, along with profiles of community-based programs in Nebraska and additional information about expanded learning opportunities, may be found at the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation website: http://www.nebraskaclcnetwork.org.
2010-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/74
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1073/viewcontent/PERKINS_ET_AL_2010_Expanding_Learning_Opportunities_Expanded_Fund_Mapping.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1074
2017-11-16T21:49:58Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Fusion Project Evaluation (2009-2010)
Perkins, Teri
Shank, Nancy
Begun in 2006, the Fusion Project connects new refugees and their communities with local community resources in Lincoln, Nebraska. One of three goals of the Fusion Project is equipping Lincoln’s mainstream community to work with four refugee communities: African, Asian, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern. The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center evaluated the Fusion Project with respect to this goal using the information gathered through two facilitated focus groups. Representatives of local agencies and attendees at Fusion educational events were invited to attend the groups... Responses from the eleven participants were compiled and analyzed to identify major themes. The results from the focus groups were compared to the results from an earlier evaluation of the Fusion Project.
2010-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/75
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1074/viewcontent/PERKINS_ET_AL_2010_Fusion_Project_Evaluation_2009_2010.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1075
2011-04-21T17:07:49Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
SURVEY OF EXISTING I&R SERVICES AND A NEBRASKA 211 SYSTEM COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS
In June, 1999, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NHHSS) and the United Way of the Midlands requested that the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center coordinate a feasibility study of a statewide Information and Referral (I&R) system for health and human services. Because several I&R systems around the country make use of the 2-1-1 three digit number for I&R information, and there are a number of states investigating reserving 211 for statewide I&R services, this report uses the 211 nomenclature although there has been no state Public Service Commission designation of 211 for this purpose in Nebraska. This report defines, describes, and calculates the anticipated quantifiable and non-quantifiable costs and benefits of implementing such an I&R/211 system.
2000-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/76
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1075/viewcontent/PPC_2000_Final_211_Report_Survey_of_Existing_IandR_Services_and_a_Nebraska_211_System_Cost_Benefit_Analysis.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1076
2011-04-21T17:17:43Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
NEBHANDS Nebraska Behavioral Health Integration Project Semi-annual Program Progress Report
- Year 1 sub-awards were distributed to 30 different organizations totaling over $260,000. Attachment A provides a list of first year sub-awardees including the name and location of each, type of organization, description of project, and award amount. Attachment B offers highlights of some of the achievements of the first year sub-awards.
- Stakeholders met in June to identify ways communities can support sub-award faith-based and community organizations. See Attachment C for the Stakeholder members.
-The Kick-Off Conference was attended by over 400 people in June, including many of the first year sub-awardees. Attachment D provides an agenda for the Kick-Off Conference, including the many technical assistance workshops offered. Attachment E provides the Kick-Off Conference evaluation.
-The Governor’s office facilitated a NEBHANDS forum with South Omaha clergy in July.
-Eighteen community forums, with over 500 participants, were held across the state in June, July, and August, facilitated by NEBHANDS and Community Action Agencies. Attachment F provides information regarding the community meetings.
-NEBHANDS facilitated a tour of sub-award groups in Omaha by state and local officials in September.
-Sub-award applications for Year 2 funds were reviewed and chosen in September. Attachment G provides a complete listing of Year 2 Sub-Awardees. The process used to award funding to faith-based and community applicants is included in Attachment H.
-Evaluation of sub-awardees began, using qualitative case-study methodology. Attachment I provides information regarding the NEBHANDS Evaluation Committee and the methodology being used.
-A permanent Executive Committee was chosen and it began to meet monthly to oversee the project and to ensure the activities of the grant followed the NEBHANDS principles. Materials related to the Executive Committee are included in Attachment J.
-The NEBHANDS Information and Referral Committee continued the process of identifying behavioral health resource lists that can be used by faith-based and community organizations and to develop information and referral processes (see Attachment K).
-The NEBHANDS Integration Committee continued its work developing a model of integrated service delivery that includes faith-based and community organizations (see Attachment L).
-The NEBHANDS Policy Committee identified committee co-chairs and began the process of identifying policy issues related to sustaining faith-based and community organizations in the effort to address the behavioral health needs of people in Nebraska (see Attachment M).
-NEBHANDS conducted a number of dissemination activities including issuing a newsletter (see Attachment N), issuing press releases with resulting news articles (see Attachment O), and developing fact sheets and presentations (see Attachment P).
-The NEBHANDS Web site was improved to provide a resource for all sub-awardees as well as other organizations throughout Nebraska (See Attachment Q).
-Technical Assistance activities occurred throughout the reporting period (see Attachment R).
-Project staff met with the Administration for Children and Families Regional Office in Kansas City to discuss areas of collaboration (see Attachment S).
-The project continued to track expenditures and cost sharing requirements. The Financial Report is included in Attachment T.
2003-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/77
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1076/viewcontent/PPC_2003_Nebhands_Nebraska_Behavioral_Health_Integration_Project_Semi_annual_Program_Progress_Report_2.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1078
2011-04-21T17:23:02Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
The Interface of Employment, Health, Family Support, and Human Services for People with Disabilities in Nebraska
Jensen, Linda E.
Willett, Jeffery
Twenty in-depth interviews were held with persons who had a diverse range of disabilities and had been or were currently engaged in competitive employment. The qualitative data was analyzed to gain information about current supports and barriers and to identify recommendations to make it more feasible for persons with disabilities to engage in competitive employment. The sample included 10 men and 10 women with ages ranging from 24 to 60 years including both rural and urban residents of Nebraska. Disabilities represented included various paralysis and/or physical illnesses, sensory disabilities such as loss of vision and/or hearing, psychiatric disabilities such as bipolar disorder or depression, and/or cognitive disabilities that resulted from brain injuries or childhood developmental disabilities.
The research participants told their story of trying to return to work along with the influences of their disability, health, the employment system, government services, families, and friends. A more complete report of the data is available from the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center. The following recommendations were made by the participants to help more people with disabilities return to work. Their suggestions have been divided into those that could be accomplished by state officials within the present federal system and others that would require changes in federal laws or regulations.
2003-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/79
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1078/viewcontent/PPC_2003_The_Interface_of_Employment_Health_Family_Support_and_Human_Services_for_People_with_Disabilities_in_Nebraska.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1084
2011-04-21T17:44:06Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Evaluation of a Deliberative Process to Obtain Citizen Input for the Draft Strategic National Vaccine Plan
The Deliberative Process to Obtain Public Input for the Draft Strategic National Vaccine Plan occurred in March and April 2009. Public meetings were held in three locations – St. Louis Missouri, Columbus Ohio, and Syracuse New York. Each meeting followed a similar format: 1) A morning presentation of essential information about the U.S. vaccine system, followed by a question and answer session with the participants, 2) introduction of participants to values underlying the U.S. vaccine system with an opportunity to discuss and define the most and least important values, 3) presentation of background information on 12 areas of activity in the U.S. national vaccine program, 4) small group activities in which participants matched their most important values to 12 areas of vaccine activity, and 5) another small group activity in which participants allocated additional funding to national vaccine programs. Throughout the day, participants had opportunities to discuss and decide on the top values they thought should influence national vaccine program activities.
The evaluation included five major components: 1) a pre/post survey to assess changes in knowledge and opinions about social values and priority areas, 2) a post process survey to assess quality of the process, anticipated use of the input, and reasons for participating, 3) comparison of demographic characteristics of participants with census data to assess diversity of participation, 4) post process focus groups with citizens to supplement information about process quality, recruitment efforts, participant knowledge, and expectations about use of the public input, and 5) individual interviews and a focus group with project sponsors and facilitators to understand the project and capture lessons learned.
2009-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/85
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1084/viewcontent/PPC_2009_Evaluation_of_a_Deliberative_Process_to_Obtain_Citizen_Input_for_the_Draft_Strategic_National_Vaccine_Plan.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1085
2011-04-21T17:46:50Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
The Nebraska Minority Justice Committee Progress Report 2010
The Nebraska Minority Justice Committee (MJC) is a unique statewide collaboration that works to develop and implement just and sustainable policy reforms that will not only improve the system of justice but will also strengthen public trust and confidence in our laws and court system. The Committee is a joint effort of the Nebraska State Bar Association and the Nebraska Supreme Court, appointed by the Supreme Court in May of 2003 in response to a Task Force’s two-year investigation of racial and ethnic fairness in Nebraska’s court system.
The mission of the Committee is to achieve three primary aims:
• address racial disparities in both the juvenile and adult justice systems
• ensure equal access to justice
• increase the diversity of Nebraska’s judicial workforces and legal profession
The Committee is pleased to share these brief descriptions of the progress itmade in 2010.
2010-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/86
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1085/viewcontent/PPC_2010_The_Nebraska_Minority_Justice_Committee_Progress_Report_2010.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1086
2019-10-08T18:30:12Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Summary of Estimating the Fiscal Impacts Of Changes in Eligibility and/or Premium Requirements For Nebraska’s Medicaid Buy-In Program
Rosenbaum, David I.
This is the third component in a series that estimates the fiscal impacts of varying the eligibility and premium requirements of the Nebraska Medicaid Buy-In program. The first component estimated how Buy-In program participation rates might differ when eligibility and premium requirements varied. (See McGarvey, Mary M., Enrollment Projections for Nebraska’s Medicaid Insurance for Workers with Disabilities, 2003, University of Nebraska Center for Public Policy.) The second component was a calculator designed to estimate state and federal costs related to selected social programs. The third component puts these first two components together. (See Rosenbaum, David I., Estimating the Fiscal Impacts of Changes in Eligibility and/or Premium Requirements for Nebraska’s Medicaid Buy-In Program, 2004, University of Nebraska Center for Public Policy.) It combines participation, income and cost estimates to determine the fiscal impacts of proposed changes in the Nebraska Medicaid Buy-In program. The findings of that analysis are summarized here.
2004-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/87
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1086/viewcontent/ROSENBAUM_2004_Summary_of_Estimating_the_Fiscal_Impacts_of_Changes_in_Eligibility_and_or_Premium_Requirements_for_Nebraska.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1081
2011-04-21T17:31:53Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
CCF Semi-Annual Report October 04 – March 05
• Year three sub-awards were awarded to 40 different organizations totaling approximately $425,220. Attachment A provides a list of third year sub-awardees, including the name and location of each, the type of organization, and description of project, as well as more detailed information. Attachment B lists some of the major accomplishments from each of the second-year sub-awardees.
• A number of open technical assistance workshops were held for sub-awardees and other faith-based and community organizations during the reporting period (see Attachment C for samples of information on specific workshops; Attachment D provides a list of some of the technical assistance workshop registrants): • December 1, 2004: Early Childhood Behavioral Health Video Conference Workshop (Hastings, Kearney, Lincoln, North Platte, Norfolk, Omaha, Scottsbluff) • February 25, 2005: Psychological First Aid Training (Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church: Omaha) • February 28, 2005: Program Evaluation Video Conference Workshop (Hastings, Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha, Scottsbluff) • March 11, 2005: Psychological First Aid Training (University Of Nebraska-Kearney) • March 25, 2005: Psychological First Aid Training (St. Elizabeth’s Hospital: Lincoln and Southeast Community College: Lincoln)
• The NEBHANDS Evaluation Committee continued the process of evaluating grant activities, including selecting subaward organizations for case studies, collection of information about subward groups and effectiveness of technical assistance (see Attachment E for survey findings).
• NEBHANDS conducted a number of dissemination activities during the reporting period, including sending a weekly e-mail newsletter to Nebraska policymakers and organizations. We have also posted information on the NEBHANDS web site. In addition, NEBHANDS and many sub-awardees received coverage from local newspapers and other media outlets. Finally, Interchurch Ministries Nebraska continued to operate the NEBHANDS lending library.
2005-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/82
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1081/viewcontent/PPC_2005_CCF_Semi_Annual_Report_October_04_March_05_Nebhands.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1087
2019-11-11T19:50:16Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Health Information Exchange: A Frontier Model
Shank, Nancy C.
Woods, Kim
Lazarus, Steve
Willborn, Elizabeth H.
This project laid the groundwork for the formation of a health information exchange within an established network of critical access hospitals, clinics, public health providers, and behavioral health providers across the rural, remote Nebraska Panhandle. The three goals were: (1) to develop an operational entity and incorporate a regional health information organization to support the development of a health information exchange; (2) to provide standardized training and user capacity development programs throughout the Panhandle; and (3) to implement electronic health records in critical access hospitals and rural health clinics through a shared process. The evaluation explored both the extent to which the objectives were obtained, and the outcomes:
-An operational entity was established (Goal 1). The Rural Nebraska Healthcare Network formed the Western Nebraska Health Information Exchange, LLC as the operational entity and the Managers are responsible for all implementation and operation activities.
-Standardized training and user capacity development programs were delivered to hundreds of Panhandle participants live, and over Nebraska’s telehealth network (Goal 2).
-Progress was made toward implementing electronic health records (Goal 3). Avendor was selected and, at the grant’s conclusion, the Managers were negotiating contract terms and identifying funding for the implementation costs.
2009-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/88
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1087/viewcontent/SHANK_ET_AL_2009_PPC_Health_Information_Exchange_A_Frontier_Model.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Health Information Exchange
Critical Access Hospitals
rural
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1083
2011-04-21T17:41:46Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Evaluation of Nebraska’s Probation Problem Solving Courts
Eight Nebraska problem solving courts were examined for this evaluation: three adult drug courts, four juvenile drug courts, and one young adult problem solving court. The key questions intended to be addressed through this evaluation included the following:
1. To what extent do problem-solving courts serve appropriate persons, specifically in relation to risk classification?
2. How do the demographic characteristics of participants compare to the general population and other offenders?
3. To what extent do policies and procedures adhere to the proposed problem solving court rules
4. How do policies and procedures compare across courts?
5. What are possible areas of improvement, particularly in court procedures, treatment and ongoing program evaluation?
6. What are the participant outcomes, and to what extent are these outcomes associated with participant characteristics and program elements?
The evaluation used a variety of methods to answer these questions including a review of the literature and Nebraska problem solving court documentation, courtroom observations, focus groups and interviews, and analysis of data from the state probation information system. Quantitative information for this study was collected for the time period January 2006 through June 2007. Information about policies, practices and perceptions about problem solving court operations was collected during the summer of 2007. Therefore, this evaluation provides analysis for a particular period of time and does not reflect subsequent changes in problem solving courts.
2008-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/84
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1083/viewcontent/PPC_2008_Evaluation_of_Nebraska_Probation_Problem_Solving_Courts.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1082
2011-04-21T17:38:46Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Nebraska Judictial Structure & Administration Task Force Final Report
The Nebraska courts face a challenge shared by many state courts, determining the optimum number of judges needed to successfully do the work of the district, county and juvenile courts. Maintaining an adequate level of judicial resources is essential to effectively manage and resolve court business while providing meaningful access to the courts for the citizens of Nebraska. In order to meet these challenges, an objective assessment of the number and allocation of judges needed to handle caseloads is necessary. To this end, the Administrative Office of the Courts contracted with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) to conduct a judicial workload assessment for Nebraska’s district, county and juvenile courts.
In December 2006, the Final Report of the Judicial Workload Assessment, Nebraska District, County and Juvenile Court was released. The findings of this study, which indicate the need for more district, county and juvenile court judges in Nebraska, coupled with a budget climate that may not be conducive to such expansion, prompted the Nebraska Judicial Resources Commission to search for alternative approaches to meet the state’s judicial resource needs. On January 8, 2007, the Nebraska Judicial Resources Commission (JRC) requested that the Nebraska State Bar Association (NSBA) study the current judicial district boundaries. In response to this request, the NSBA established the Judicial Structure and Administration Task Force (Task Force). The NSBA Judicial Resources Committee formed the core of the Task Force with additional representatives added from the JRC, the Supreme Court, trial courts, and the Legislature. The NSBA contracted with the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center to conduct policy-relevant research and provide administrative support to the Task Force.
2007-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/83
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1082/viewcontent/PPC_2007_Nebraska_Judicial_Structure_and_Administration_Task_Force_Final_Report_October_2007.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1077
2011-04-21T17:20:27Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
NEBHANDS Nebraska Behavioral Health Integration Project Semi-annual program progress report
-Interim Executive Committee established
-Project staff hired
-Stakeholder Advisory Group convened
-Sub-award plan completed and accepted
-Sub-award plan implementation begun
-Request for proposals issued
-Web site established
-Project was named by Interim Executive Committee: “NEBHANDS – a faith-based and community initiative” (NEBHANDS = Nebraskans Expanding Behavioral Health Access through Networking Delivery Systems)
-Project mission, vision, and guiding principles were established
2003-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/78
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1077/viewcontent/PPC_2003_Nebhands_Nebraska_Behavioral_Health_Integration_Project_Semi_annual_Program_Progress_Report.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1079
2011-04-21T17:25:11Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
NEBHANDS Nebraska Behavioral Health Integration Project Semi-Annual program progress report
• Year two sub-awards were awarded to 65 different organizations totaling approximately $500,000. Attachment A provides a list of second year sub-awardees including the name and location of each, type of organization, and description of project, as well as more detailed information. Attachment B lists some of the major accomplishments from each of the second-year sub-awardees.
• A number of open technical assistance workshops were held for sub-awardees during the period (see Attachment C for information on specific workshops). Attachment D provides a list of technical assistance workshop registrants.
• Stakeholders met in October to discuss the integration of the behavioral health system into the faith community. See Attachment E for a list of stakeholder members along with the meeting agenda and notes.
• NEBHANDS hosted a meeting March 22nd with Jennifer Sullivan, a representative from the White House Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, as well as with state officials from the Governor’s Office and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Also in attendance were NEBHANDS sub-awardees and Nancy Long from the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region VII Office in Kansas City (see Attachment F for meeting summary).
• On February 25th, NEBHANDS hosted Charles Roller from Dare Mighty Things who conducted a site visit of the project on behalf of the National Resource Center (see Attachment G for the completed site visit survey).
• NEBHANDS partner Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska presented at an open theology discussion group at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on March 25th entitled “The Blurred Lines Between Church and State”. (see Attachment H).
• NEBHANDS partner Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska established and launched an Ecumenical Lending Library with resources available on-line to sub-awardees, faith communities, and anyone in Nebraska interested in behavioral health issues (see Attachment I for brochure).
• The NEBHANDS Evaluation Committee continued the process of evaluating grant activities, including selecting subaward organizations for case studies, collection of information about subaward groups and effectiveness of technical assistance. (see Attachment J for Evaluation Committee materials and summary of activities).
• The Executive Committee continued to meet monthly as an advisory group to NEBHANDS, and to plan for sustainability of subaward groups in Nebraska. (see Attachment K for Executive Committee materials).
• Tom Harvey (Sr. Vice President, Member Services, Alliance for Children and Families, Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Mr. Harvey was a speaker at the Nebhands Kick-OffConference) facilitated a meeting of the Executive Committee on January 22nd to develop a strategic plan for sustainability of NEBHANDS project activities (see Attachment L for meeting minutes and pictures).
• The NEBHANDS Integration Committee worked on developing peer-support networks and including them in Nebraska’s behavioral health reform effort (see Attachment M for Integration Committee materials).
• The NEBHANDS Policy committee focused on structural impediments to FBO and CBO integration into the behavioral health system. (See Attachment N for a summary of activities).
• The NEBHANDS Information and Referral Committee continued to work to develop a resource database for faith and community-based organizations (see Attachment O for brochure).
• The NEBHANDS Assistance Committee began the planning process to select year three sub-awardees.
• NEBHANDS conducted a number of dissemination activities during the period, including sending informational e-mails to Nebraska policymakers and organizations, as well as participating in the planning for the Project Relate media campaign (see Attachment P for these materials). In addition, many sub-awardees received coverage from local newspapers and other media outlets.
• The NEBHANDS website was improved to allow sub-awardees and other interested parties improved access to information about the project (see Attachment Q for these materials).
• Several sub-awardees hosted NEBHANDS sponsored technical assistance in their communities during this period (see Attachment R for information about sub-awardee conferences).
• The project continued to track expenditures and cost sharing requirements. The Financial Report is included in Attachment S.
2004-01-01T08:00:00Z
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/80
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1079/viewcontent/PPC_2004_Nebhands_Nebraska_Behavioral_Health_Integration_Project_Semi_annual_Program_Progress_Report.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1080
2011-04-21T17:34:14Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
CCF Semi-Annual Report April – September 2005
Year three sub-awards were awarded to 58 different organizations (some were Year Two extensions), totaling approximately $560,560. Attachment A provides a list of third year subawardees, including the name and location of each, the type of organization, and description of project. Attachment B lists some of the major accomplishments of the third year subawardees.
2005-01-01T08:00:00Z
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/81
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1080/viewcontent/PPC_2005_CCF_Semi_Annual_Report_April_September_2005.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1088
2011-04-21T17:56:12Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
HOW THE PUBLIC VIEWS THE STATE COURTS A 1999 NATIONAL SURVEY
Bennack, Frank A., Jr.
The survey covered four broad areas: access to the courts, timeliness of court decisions, fairness of judicial decision-making, independence and responsiveness of the courts to the public and to changing conditions in society.
The questions came at the issues from many angles, but when all the figures were totaled and all the comments considered, the courts came out just okay on average.
This conclusion is a mix of high, medium and low marks across different categories. Sometimes there was broad consensus and other times views differed widely by race, ethnic group, income and other factors.
1999-01-01T08:00:00Z
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/89
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1088/viewcontent/TOMKINS_1999_NCSC_How_the_Public_Views_the_State_Courts_A_1999_National_Survey.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1089
2017-02-19T20:23:16Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Immigration Controversies in Nebraska: Policies, Politics, and Public Perspectives
Tomkins, Alan J.
Abdel-Monem, Tarik
Rivera-Colon, Angel
Immigration reform has been a part of the United States policy discussions since the 18th century. As early as 1790, Congress was developing laws to allow immigrants to become United States citizens. By 1891, due to the amount of immigrants flowing into the country, the federal government assumed responsibility for immigration control and the Immigration Service was established. Over the past century, policies regulating immigration have transformed reflecting public concern over changing migrant flows into the country. During World War I, immigration levels were relatively low, but when the mass flow resumed post World War I, Congress enacted the Quota Law which set quantitative restrictions based on nationality representation in the United States census. The American public adopted a more liberal attitude towards foreign immigration following World War II, which lasted relatively up until the late 1970s when the presence of significant numbers of undocumented immigrants raised public concern.
Currently, it is estimated that there are approximately 12 million unauthorized immigrants living in the United States, with about 55% of that number originating from Mexico. Undocumented immigrants represent more than half of those coming into the nation annually (see Table 1). According to the United States Census Bureau 2006 America Community Survey Fact Sheet, there were an estimated 99,500 foreign born immigrants in Nebraska, constituting 5.6% of the population. (This likely has increased markedly in the past decade.) The majority of the foreign-born population is of Hispanic/Latino descent, and the Latino population increased 155% in Nebraska from 1990 to 2000. The Pew Hispanic Center estimated that in 2005, there were anywhere from 35,000 to 55,000 undocumented immigrants in Nebraska.
2009-01-01T08:00:00Z
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/90
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1089/viewcontent/TOMKINS_ET_AL_2009_PPC_Immigration_Controversies_in_Nebraska_Policies_Politics_and_Public_Perspectives.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
oai:digitalcommons.unl.edu:publicpolicypublications-1090
2011-04-21T18:22:35Z
publication:publicpolicycenter
publication:publicpolicypublications
Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan Civic Engagement Meetings for Public Scoping Final Report
In mid 2009, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) requested the independent and impartial assistance of the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution (U.S. Institute) in planning, designing, and implementing efforts to build collaborative opportunities with public stakeholders into the development of the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan (MRERP). To meet this request, the U.S. Institute developed and implemented the Civic Engagement Program (CE). The CE program consisted of a series of public meetings throughout the basin, intended to educate public stakeholders on the MRERP, to gather input on key elements of the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan, to foster dialogue among public stakeholders, and to help ensure that there were ample opportunities for public involvement as part of the overall public scoping process. These meetings occurred between August 18th and October 3rd, 2009 in seven Missouri River basin states: Montana, Missouri, North Dakota, Kansas, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. The CE meetings were not designed to be traditional public scoping meetings or hearings, but rather to provide a unique setting allowing for face-to-face discussions with pre-selected participants intended to represent diverse perspectives from the community. The intent of the CE meetings, and of the attached state reports and meeting notes, was to inclusively gather perspectives and opinions from a diverse group of stakeholders with a broad array of interests in the basin, without quantifying, weighing, judging, or prioritizing their views. This report, authored by the U.S. Institute and presented to USACE and FWS for its consideration in the MRERP, describes the CE program, and highlights some of the common themes from the meetings. The summary reports and detailed meeting notes from each of the CE meetings are included in the Attachments and are also submitted to USACE and FWS for consideration.
2009-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/publicpolicypublications/91
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/publicpolicypublications/article/1090/viewcontent/USIECR_2009_Missouri_River_Ecosystem_Restoration_Plan_Civic_Engagement_Meetings_for_Public_Scoping_Final_Report.pdf
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Public Policy
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