Title: Drug Court Research and Evaluation: National Evaluation of Juvenile Drug Courts and Research on Adult and Juvenile Drug Courts. Series: Solicitation Author: National Institute of Justice Published: NIJ, March 2000 Subject: Funding resources, 12 pages 22,000 bytes ------------------------------- Figures, charts, forms, and tables are not included in this ASCII plain-text file. To view this document in its entirety, download the Adobe Acrobat graphic file available from this Web site or order a print copy from NCJRS at 800-851-3420 (877-712-9279 for TTY users). ------------------------------- U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs National Institute of Justice National Institute of Justice Solicitation Jeremy Travis, Director March 2000 Drug Court Research and Evaluation: National Evaluation of Juvenile Drug Courts and Research on Adult and Juvenile Drug Courts APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 28, 2000 ------------------------------- U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs 810 Seventh Street N.W. Washington, DC 20531 Janet Reno Attorney General Daniel Marcus Acting Associate Attorney General Mary Lou Leary Acting Assistant Attorney General Noel Brennan Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Alexa Verveer Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jeremy Travis Director, National Institute of Justice For grant and funding information contact: Department of Justice Response Center: 800-421-6770 Office of Justice Programs World Wide Web Site: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov National Institute of Justice World Wide Web Site: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij ------------------------------- Drug Court Research and Evaluation I. Introduction The National Institute of Justice, in collaboration with the Office of Justice Programs' Drug Courts Program Office, is soliciting proposals in two areas: a national evaluation of juvenile drug courts and general research and evaluation in either juvenile or adult drug courts. Each is discussed below. The first area is a national evaluation of six juvenile drug courts. There are two goals of this evaluation: 1) to develop a framework for describing juvenile drug courts, and 2) to assess the success of juvenile drug courts in relation to the framework developed. The six juvenile drug courts are: o Orlando, FL; o Missoula, MT; o Jersey City, NJ; o Las Cruces/Anthony, NM; o Dayton, OH; o and Charleston, SC. It is anticipated that one award, not to exceed $700,000, will be made for this evaluation. This award will be conducted as a cooperative agreement between the grantee and NIJ and is expected to be completed within 18 to 24 months. A second area for this solicitation includes research and evaluation projects addressing issues faced by the DCPO-funded adult and/or juvenile drug courts. For these projects, four awards of up to $250,000 are expected. Each of these awards may last up to 24 months. This document includes information on the background of drug court programs, areas of research required, how to apply, requirements for award recipients, and an appendix that provides information on the six selected juvenile drug courts. II. Background The Drug Court Program is administered by the Office of Justice Programs, Drug Courts Program Office (DCPO), which makes available Federal discretionary grants to States, State courts, local courts, units of local government, and Indian tribal governments for assistance with drug court programs. DCPO has defined a drug court, for the purposes of Federal grants, as a specially-designed court calendar or docket, the purpose of which is to: o Reduce recidivism and substance abuse among nonviolent adult and juvenile substance-abusing offenders. o Increase the likelihood of successful rehabilitation through early, continuous, and judicially supervised treatment, mandatory periodic drug testing, the use of graduated sanctions, and other rehabilitation services. Through its grant program the DCPO assists drug court programs that, among other things, target nonviolent offenders and involve: o Continuing judicial supervision over nonviolent substance abusing offenders. o Integrated administration of other sanctions and services in any program that must include: -- Mandatory periodic testing for the use of controlled substances or other addictive substances during any period of supervised release or probation. -- Substance abuse treatment for each participant. -- Diversion, probation, or other supervised release involving the possibility of prosecution, confinement, or incarceration based on noncompliance with program requirements or failure to show satisfactory progress. -- Programmatic offender management, and aftercare services such as relapse prevention, health care, education, vocational training, job placement, housing placement, and child care or family support services for each participant who requires such services. Since 1994, NIJ and DCPO have cooperatively funded evaluations of four adult drug courts (Portland, OR; Las Vegas, NV; Pensacola, FL; and Kansas City, MO). The first phase of the evaluations of these sites developed detailed descriptions of the sites, as well as provided information on recidivism. During the first phase, each grantee developed a research design for obtaining reliable data about changes in substance abuse, income, employment, housing, family situations, and other lifestyle variables for drug court participants and a relevant comparison group. Funding for the second phase followed the approval of the research designs. A second solicitation resulted in a grant for a national evaluation involving 14 drug courts funded by DCPO in 1995-1996 to develop a framework for describing drug courts. All of these grants are active at this time. Although adult drug courts have been in existence since 1989, juvenile drug courts began implementation in the mid-1990's. A number of courts saw the need for adapting the drug court model to juveniles, but these courts have not yet been formally studied. The research proposed in this area would provide a better understanding of adaptations of the adult model that might be needed to address juvenile offenders. For example, the target population and the point of intervention in relation to initial offense, as well as treatment modalities, differ significantly between adult and juvenile drug court populations. This solicitation addresses Section 2209 in Part V, Title V, of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 that specifically states that the Attorney General may make arrangements for evaluations of drug court programs that receive grant support from OJP. III. Areas of Research Required This solicitation has two categories of research and evaluation projects. Each will be described separately. A. National Evaluation of Juvenile Drug Courts There will be one award for a cooperative agreement between the grantee and NIJ to examine six juvenile drug courts (Orlando, FL; Missoula, MT; Jersey City, NJ; Las Cruces/Anthony, NM; Dayton, OH; and Charleston, SC). There are two areas of research required in this effort: o Develop a conceptual framework for describing juvenile drug court programs based on the six sites. o Review existing process and outcome evaluations in each site and assess the success of juvenile drug courts within the conceptual framework. The conceptual framework should address, but is not limited to, such questions as: o What are the operational features of juvenile drug courts? o What types of treatment modalities are applicable to juvenile drug courts? o What sanctions and incentives are used for a juvenile population? o What are the indicators of success for juvenile drug courts? o What are the measures used by the juvenile drug courts to determine success? o What role does the family play in the juvenile drug court models? o What are the relationships between juvenile drug courts and other agencies of the community? o What agencies are involved? During this research, the grantee should place a strong emphasis on developing comprehensive descriptive and historical information about each of the programs. Data collection should focus on answering the following questions (among others that may be pertinent to specific sites): o What are the operational characteristics of each program? o What population is being served by each site? o What are the treatment service-delivery plans used in each site? o What changes are reported by the program staff as needed to adapt comprehensive services for the substance abusing offenders participating in a juvenile drug court? To achieve the goal of assessing the success of juvenile drug courts, the applicant should review the evaluations (both process and outcome) conducted at each site. Additional data may be needed in some sites in order to consider the success of juvenile drug courts in meeting their goals. Data involving cessation of criminal behavior and drug use, retention in treatment, and ultimately changes in life circumstances would be used in this phase of the project. It is not intended to produce six individual impact evaluations, but rather to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of juvenile drug courts in relation to the conceptual framework developed in the first phase of the project. B. Research and Evaluation of Adult or Juvenile Drug Courts. The second type of projects included in this solicitation are field initiated projects, including those addressing specific issues faced by drug courts and evaluations of other drug courts. Topics that are appropriate for this segment of the solicitation are: 1. Treatment modalities in drug courts. In this area, there are a number of questions that can be addressed. For instance, what types of treatment modalities have been associated with drug courts, and which modalities appear to be most effective? Are the treatment modalities being used appropriate for all offenders? What are the drug-use patterns observed across different phases of treatment and how do they impact program participation? What is the most appropriate length of treatment for drug court participants? Some of these questions are appropriate for a single- site study while some could involve a multi-site plan. 2. Ongoing management issues of drug courts. Appropriate questions that would fit into this area include: What relationships exist between drug court dockets and the dockets in the rest of the court system? How do the drug courts fit into the State court structure and how is the problem- solving model institutionalized within that structure? 3. Cost benefits of drug courts. In this category, projects can be developed to examine the long- and short-term costs and benefits of drug court programs. This is an important area for study because drug courts need to be able to describe the benefits they provide in financial terms as they pursue additional sources of funding. Other questions appropriate to this topic include: What are the ongoing costs of the drug court program to the participating criminal justice system (e.g., court, prosecutor's office, public defender's office, police, sheriff/jail, pretrial services, probation, and treatment providers)? How are court resources distributed between traditional and drug courts? What are the cost savings associated with drug courts? How are DCPO-funded drug courts seeking funding to continue their programs once Federal money is unavailable? 4. Impact evaluations and other field initiated research projects of DCPO- funded drug courts. Applicants may propose impact evaluations of a single DCPO-funded drug court, or one that has been funded in the past. Other areas of concern that are identified by the field may also be proposed. For example, projects may include: studies of commonly used definitions and terminology used to determine effectiveness of drug courts and studies addressing measurements of success available to drug courts. However, all research must involve a DCPO-funded drug court program or one that has been funded in the past. To determine whether a specific drug court has received DCPO funds, the applicant may contact the U.S. Department of Justice Response Center at 800-421-6770. In these proposed studies, the applicant should clearly define the issue(s) to be addressed along with the methodology to be used. IV. How to Apply Those interested in submitting proposals in response to this solicitation must complete the required application forms and submit related required documents. (See below for how to obtain application forms and guides for completing proposals.) Applicants must include the following information/forms to qualify for consideration: o Standard Form (SF) 424--application for Federal assistance o Assurances o Certifications Regarding Lobbying, Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (one form) o Disclosure of Lobbying Activities o Budget Detail Worksheet o Budget Narrative o Negotiated indirect rate agreement (if appropriate) o Names and affiliations of all key persons from applicant and subcontractor(s), advisors, consultants, and advisory board members. Include name of principal investigator, title, organizational affiliation (if any), department (if institution of higher education), address, phone, and fax o Proposal abstract o Table of contents o Program narrative or technical proposal o Privacy certificate o References o Letters of cooperation from organizations collaborating in the research project o Resumes o Appendixes, if any (e.g., list of previous NIJ awards, their status, and products [in NIJ or other publications]) Proposal abstract. The proposal abstract, when read separately from the rest of the application, is meant to serve as a succinct and accurate description of the proposed work. Applicants must concisely describe the research goals and objectives, research design, and methods for achieving the goals and objectives. Summaries of past accomplishments are to be avoided, and proprietary/confidential information is not to be included. Length is not to exceed 400 words. Use the following two headers: Project Goals and Objectives: Proposed Research Design and Methodology: Page limit. The number of pages in the "Program Narrative" part of the proposal must not exceed 30 (double-spaced pages). Due date. Completed proposals must be received at the National Institute of Justice by the close of business on April 28, 2000. Extensions of this deadline will not be permitted. Award period. In general, NIJ limits its grants and cooperative agreements to a maximum period of 12 or 24 months. However, longer budget periods may be considered. Number of awards. NIJ anticipates supporting one grant for the national evaluation of juvenile drug courts and four grants under the second area of this solicitation, for a total of five awards. Award amount. Awards totaling $1.7 million will be made available for this NIJ solicitation. Applying. Two packets need to be obtained: (1) application forms (including a sample budget worksheet) and (2) guidelines for submitting proposals (including requirements for proposal writers and requirements for grant recipients). To receive them, applicants can: Access the Justice Information Center on the web: http://www.ncjrs.org/fedgrant.htm#NIJ or the NIJ web site: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/funding.htm These web sites offer the NIJ application forms and guidelines as electronic files that may be downloaded to a personal computer. o Request hard copies of the forms and guidelines by mail from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service at 800-851-3420 or from the Department of Justice Response Center at 800-421-6770 (in the Washington, D.C., area, at 202-307-1480). o Request copies by fax. Call 800-851-3420 and select option 1, then option 1 again for NIJ. Code is 1023. Guidance and information. Applicants who wish to receive additional guidance and information may contact the U.S. Department of Justice Response Center at 800-421-6770. Center staff can provide assistance or refer applicants to an appropriate NIJ professional. Applicants may, for example, wish to discuss their prospective research topics with the NIJ professional staff. Send completed forms to: Drug Court Research and Evaluation National Institute of Justice 810 Seventh Street N.W. Washington, DC 20531 [overnight courier ZIP code 20001] ------------------------------- APPENDIX Site Specific Information Orange County, Orlando, FL The Orange County Juvenile Substance Abuse Treatment Court Program (JSATCP) serves nonviolent substance abusing offenders 12 to 17 years of age, including driving under the influence (DUI) cases. Implementation of the DUI track will allow an array of treatment options, including individual sessions, group sessions, family meetings, life skills, and educational services to be offered to juvenile drug court clients charged with DUI offenses. Missoula County, 4th Judicial District, Missoula, MT The Missoula County Youth Drug Court Program (YDC) serves non- violent male and female substance abusing youth, 10 to 18 years of age. The program lasts 12 to 15 months and serves 25 juvenile clients and their families at any one time. The YDC will add a Participant Coordinator who will be responsible for developing, monitoring, and evaluating drug court client case plans; and coordinating the treatment services available. Through community collaborations with the local school system, local non-profit groups, and other area drug courts, the YDC offers services including chemical dependency treatment, literacy programs, acupuncture, conflict resolution, and community service/restorative justice programs. Superior Court of New Jersey, Hudson Vicinage, Jersey City, NJ New Jersey's Hudson County Juvenile Drug Court targets non-violent, substance-abusing juveniles, ages 12 to 17. To be eligible, a juvenile must have a prior court adjudication and a current felony delinquency complaint involving a drug-related offense or a drug-related violation of probation. Over the two-year grant period, 100 juveniles and their families will be provided with substance abuse treatment, aftercare, and support services. Each participant will spend 8 to 12 months in the program that will include ongoing judicial interaction and frequent and random drug testing. Each school district in Hudson County will designate a contact person who will be responsible for submitting bi-weekly school progress reports to the drug court. The progress reports will include information on a participant's attendance, behavior, and academic progress in school. Third Judicial District Court, Las Cruces, NM The cities of Las Cruces and Anthony, NM, have implemented a juvenile drug court targeting youth participants with either misdemeanor or felony offenses ordered to the program by the Children's Court Judge. The program has served approximately 113 youth and their parents, with 16 graduates. Each participant spends approximately 9 months in the program which allows individual treatment, education, and family and life skills development. Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Juvenile Division, Dayton, OH The Montgomery County Juvenile Drug Court Program (MCJDC) began in January 1998 and currently serves approximately 80 nonviolent, substance-abusing youth offenders, ages 13 to 17. The program provides youth with the opportunity to lead productive substance and crime free lives through case management, treatment, intervention, and active judicial supervision. MCJDC works with the participant's family and the school system during the 9 to 12 month program to promote effective collaboration among individuals involved in each youth's life. County of Charleston, Charleston, SC The Charleston Family Court Juvenile Drug Court Program (JDCP) provides substance abuse treatment services to non-violent substance abusing male and female juvenile offenders through judicially supervised case management. Programmatic involvement of agencies and organizations providing support for the JDCP include mental health organizations, community based organizations, local business organizations, and job training organizations, as well as the larger education community. Since beginning operations in September 1997, the Court has assessed 90 juveniles and averages between seven and eight assessments each month. Eighty juveniles have been admitted into the JDCP, of which seven participants have graduated from the program and none have re-offended. Thirty-two have been terminated. Eight of the discharged participants were placed in a residential treatment setting after discharge, the remaining participants were either inaccessible to the court or received new charges and were placed in detention. The graduates of the program are either in school, in a job training program, or employed. ------------------------------- To find out more information about the National Institute of Justice, please contact: National Criminal Justice Reference Service Box 6000 Rockville, MD 20849-6000 800-851-3420 e-mail: askncjrs@ncjrs.org To obtain an electronic version of this document, access the NIJ web site (http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij). If you have any questions, call or e-mail NCJRS. ------------------------------- SL 000399