Past events

Assessing Fairly: Introduction to the National Guidelines for Post-Conviction Risk and Needs Assessments

January 29, 2024

American Probation and Parole Association 2024 Winter Training Institute

The United States has not followed a coherent set of guidelines on the development and use of risk and needs assessment, and most states and counties have not tested their instruments for accuracy and fairness across race, ethnicity, and gender. In partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center worked with a group of 26 national experts to develop a set of 13 practical guidelines and a suite of practical resources that advise criminal justice agencies on prioritizing accuracy, fairness, transparency, and effective communication and use of post-conviction risk and needs assessments. This session provided an overview of the national guidelines project, described the benefits of adhering to the national guidelines, discussed the supplementary self-assessment tool, provided information about how agencies can apply for technical assistance, and identified the first group of states receiving technical assistance and their areas of priority. A group of panelists who are prominent leaders in the field spoke about related research, specific challenges agencies have encountered, and efforts to adopt the national guidelines. 

Speakers

• David A. D’Amora, Senior Policy Advisor, The Council of State Governments Justice Center  
• Brian Mirasolo, Deputy Commissioner, Massachusetts Probation Service 
• Tami Jo Lieberg, Director Community Corrections, Kandiyohi Community Corrections 
• Lahiz P. Tavárez, Project Manager, The Council of State Governments Justice Center 

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New Opportunities to Implement the National Guidelines for Post-Conviction Risk and Needs Assessment

March 7, 2023, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm , Eastern

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Hosted by The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance 

In partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center worked with a group of 26 national experts, including researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, to develop practical guidelines that advise criminal justice agencies on the use of post-conviction risk and needs assessment. The guidelines prioritize accuracy, fairness, and transparency in the communication and use of risk and needs assessment. The guidelines’ associated resources were developed with a variety of audiences in mind, including legislators, administrators, practitioners, and researchers. This webinar introduced the 13 guidelines, provided an overview of the suite of resources available, and announced new opportunities available for states to receive support with implementation of the guidelines.

Speakers: 

• David A. D’Amora, Senior Policy Advisor, CSG Justice Center
• Dr. Sarah L. Desmarais, PhD, President, Policy Research Associates 
• Charles Robinson, Deputy Chief, Probation and Pretrial Services Office Administrative Office of the United States Courts 
• Dr. Heather Tubman-Carbone, PhD, Senior Policy Advisor, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice
• Stevyn Fogg, Director, Governance & Strategic Initiatives, Correctional Leaders Association 
• Veronica Ballard Cunningham, Executive Director/CEO, American Probation and Parole Association 
• Anne L. Precythe, Director, Missouri Department of Corrections 
• Lahiz P. Tavárez, Project Manager, CSG Justice Center 
• Brian Mirasolo, Massachusetts Deputy Commissioner Probation Service