Criminal & Juvenile Justice
Abt’s research, implementation, evaluation, and technical assistance expertise advances meaningful change across the U.S. justice system. With expertise in criminology, sociology survey methodology, computer science, and public health, we approach criminal and juvenile justice system challenges and reforms holistically, considering the intersections with equity, health, housing, and social justice policy. Our team’s robust portfolio of research and data analysis, rigorous mixed-methods evaluations, technical assistance, and training spans the justice process from community-based prevention through reentry and community supervision. This broad view enables us to provide data-informed insights and support for federal and state agencies, service providers, and communities as they face their most pressing justice issues.
Expertise
- Mixed Methods Evaluations
- Instrument and Web-Based Systems Development
- Training and Technical Assistance
- Community-Based Prevention Programs
- Data Analytics and Dashboarding
- Statistical Modeling and Performance Measurement
Clients Include
Bureau of Justice Statistics
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Roca Inc.
National Institute of Justice
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Arnold Ventures
Office of Victims of Crime
Our Work
Evaluation of rehabilitative field work practices in probation and parole agencies that applied quantitative and qualitative data analysis
Best practices and resource guides for re-entry for formerly incarcerated people living with mental health conditions
Finding that curricula for high-risk young adults based on cognitive behavioral theory reduced recidivism and increased unsubsidized employment
Technical assistance on use of data to more than 500 state, local, and Tribal grantees to improve substance use programs for justice involvement prevention
Web-based data visualization tool showing local, state, and national justice expenditures
Multi-state study to assess the feasibility of collecting data on pregnant incarcerated people, a significant gap in criminal justice statistics
Our Experts
Insights
How Florida’s E-Verify Law May Increase Labor Trafficking
Some features of Florida’s new E-Verify law could put workers at greater risk for labor trafficking and exploitation.
The Social Determinants of Justice: Disability, Employment, and the Justice System Connection
This podcast discusses how supports from elementary school through the hiring process can mitigate links between disability, employment, and the justice system.
Break the Chain: Exploring the Links Between Environmental & Criminal Justice
This podcast examines how systemic racism thrusts Black families into a cycle linking dangerous environmental conditions, poor health, and the justice system.
COVID-19’s Impact on Community Supervision
Most of the research attention on COVID-19’s impact on the justice system has focused on jails and prisons. But far more people are under community supervision: parole and probation. And little research has been done about the pandemic’s direct and indirect effects on that phase of the justice continuum—and how the system could be better prepared. In this white paper, Abt justice experts Holly Swan and Walter Campbell propose a number of research questions to address.