Roundup: Gay Teens Face Harsher Punishments

• Growth in Corrections Spending 1987-2007 Dwarfed Spending on Higher Ed (see image at right) - Curious about where your state stands? Follow the link and check the graph.  It would be interesting to see the same data comparing spending on the juvenile justice system with middle- and high-school spending.  (Hat tip to Jim Carlton.) 
• Gay Teens Are Punished More Heavily in School and in Juvenile Court - From The New York Times: A national study of 15,000 middle school and high school teens published in Pediatrics found that gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens are more likely to be expelled from school than their straight peers, and more likely to be stopped, arrested, and adjudicated.  And "it's not because they're misbehaving more," says the study's lead author, Kathryn Himmelstein. (Hat tip to Dan Merrigan.)

• "Where Are All the Kids?" - Juvenile Court Cases Plunge in Massachusetts Despite Downturn.  Delinquency cases have dropped 35% in the state since 2007; child welfare cases have dropped 21% in the same time period. The question is, why?
• Funding for Collaboration Between Justice and Mental Health from BJA - Goal of these grants is to "increase public safety through innovative cross-system collaboration for individuals with mental illnesses or co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders who come into contact with the justice system." There's a definite emphasis on evidence-based practices; funding depends on the type of project. Application deadline: February 3, 2011. 
• Raised by the Courts: Juvenile Court Judge Publishes Book - Judge Irene Sullivan reflects on her experiences in juvenile court and argues that providing more rehabilitation and treatment options for youth will save money and cut crime in the long run.  (H/t to @RaysFH.)
• Apply Now for SAMHSA/CSAT Travel Awards  - Want to attend the Conference on Problem Drug Dependency (CPDD) June 18-23 in Hollywood, FL? The CPDD is  a "premier research conference" suitable for treatment program directors and clinical supervisors. Awards cover all travel costs and conference registrations, including for the pre-conference full-day session, or "satellite session."  These are highly competitive, so apply now! Deadline is January 10, 2011. Questions? Call the Northwest Frontier ATTC office  at 503-494-9611. (H/t State of Oregon Mental Health and Addictions listserv.)
• Research Conference on Disparities in Behavioral Health Care - The conference title says it all (or tries to): "Disparities Research to Disparities Interventions: Lessons Learned and Opportunities for the Future of Behavioral Health Services." It'll be held April 6-8 2011, in Arlington, VA. Follow the link for more info. (H/t to the ATTC Network.) 
• Report on School Crime and Victimization - "Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2010" is now out from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).
• Curious about Who Got Money from OJJDP in 2010? Follow the link.   

   

Webinars

• Introduction to Cost-Benefit Analysis and Justice Policy for State Legislators - The webinar, sponsored by the Vera Institute, is designed for state legislators, their staff, and other policy makers. Tune in December 15, 2010, at 11 am PST / 2 pm EST. Follow the link to register.
• Building Broader Partnerships: Faith-based Organizations & Coalitions - Sponsored by the Forum for Youth Investment as part of its Ready by 21 series, you won't want to miss this webinar if you want to partner with the faith community. It'll be held December 14, 2010, 12 pm PST / 3 pm EST. Follow the link to register. 
• The Impact of Trauma on Women and Girls Across the Lifespan - Don't miss this chance to learn more about the lifelong impact of trauma experienced in childhood as Dr. Valerie J. Edwards presents, "Lifecourse Effects of Trauma in the lives of Girls: Findings from the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study." Check it out on December 14, 2010, 11 am PST / 2 pm EST.  Follow the link to register.