State Legislatures

State Legislatures PDF Author: Janna Souvorova
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Legislative bodies
Languages : en
Pages : 173

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Book Description
The question of policy origination is the very essence of state public policy analysis. This study provides an overview of the previous research on innovation, as defined by Rogers (1962, 2003) and Walker (1969), and determinants models of state policy formulation, as they relate to innovation and policy adoption on the state level. The literature review indicates that previous research mostly focused on the internal state characteristics such as political and socioeconomic variables to explain state differences in policy adoption. The literature also indicates a general lack of empirical research relating diversity to innovation and policy adoption. State governments have to deal with diversified populations and workforces whether they want to or not. The number of immigrants from other countries as well as migrants from other states is constantly growing. For instance, in just the five years from 2000 to 2005, we added almost 5.5 million immigrants, and that figure represents only those who are documented. These people are coming from all over the world. They speak different languages, are accustomed to different foods, and have different religious affiliations. It would be unrealistic to expect them to have social and political values similar to those of people born and raised in the United States. The impact and the overall influence of such diversity on state policy formulation have not yet been fully explained. The growing importance of diversity in the United States calls for its inclusion into state policy adoption models. This study proposes a new model including a construct of diversity as one of the determinants of state policy adoption. The reasoning for the new model is twofold: first, to determine the potential influence of diversity on innovation, and second, to determine whether diversity also influences state policy adoption. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used to test the proposed model in five different policy areas: education, health care, criminal justice, economic development, and environmental policies. Results of the analysis indicate that, while state diversity is positively associated with state innovation and state policy adoption, inclusion of state socioeconomic and political variables in the analysis decreases the relative influence of state diversity on innovation and policy outcomes. Furthermore, the relative influence of diversity, socioeconomic, and political variables differs among the policy areas used in this study. Three major themes are noticed here: the overwhelming significance of state political characteristics to state innovation, the relatively moderate significance of state socioeconomic characteristics to state policy outcomes and state innovation, and the low significance of state diversity variables to state policy outcomes.

State Legislatures

State Legislatures PDF Author: Janna Souvorova
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Legislative bodies
Languages : en
Pages : 173

Get Book Here

Book Description
The question of policy origination is the very essence of state public policy analysis. This study provides an overview of the previous research on innovation, as defined by Rogers (1962, 2003) and Walker (1969), and determinants models of state policy formulation, as they relate to innovation and policy adoption on the state level. The literature review indicates that previous research mostly focused on the internal state characteristics such as political and socioeconomic variables to explain state differences in policy adoption. The literature also indicates a general lack of empirical research relating diversity to innovation and policy adoption. State governments have to deal with diversified populations and workforces whether they want to or not. The number of immigrants from other countries as well as migrants from other states is constantly growing. For instance, in just the five years from 2000 to 2005, we added almost 5.5 million immigrants, and that figure represents only those who are documented. These people are coming from all over the world. They speak different languages, are accustomed to different foods, and have different religious affiliations. It would be unrealistic to expect them to have social and political values similar to those of people born and raised in the United States. The impact and the overall influence of such diversity on state policy formulation have not yet been fully explained. The growing importance of diversity in the United States calls for its inclusion into state policy adoption models. This study proposes a new model including a construct of diversity as one of the determinants of state policy adoption. The reasoning for the new model is twofold: first, to determine the potential influence of diversity on innovation, and second, to determine whether diversity also influences state policy adoption. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used to test the proposed model in five different policy areas: education, health care, criminal justice, economic development, and environmental policies. Results of the analysis indicate that, while state diversity is positively associated with state innovation and state policy adoption, inclusion of state socioeconomic and political variables in the analysis decreases the relative influence of state diversity on innovation and policy outcomes. Furthermore, the relative influence of diversity, socioeconomic, and political variables differs among the policy areas used in this study. Three major themes are noticed here: the overwhelming significance of state political characteristics to state innovation, the relatively moderate significance of state socioeconomic characteristics to state policy outcomes and state innovation, and the low significance of state diversity variables to state policy outcomes.

SOU-CCJ230 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System

SOU-CCJ230 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System PDF Author: Alison Burke
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781636350684
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description


Explaining State Policy Adoption

Explaining State Policy Adoption PDF Author: Edward Alan Miller
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 458

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Book Description


The Adoption of Restorative Justice Legislation as a State Policy Response to Criminal Justice Concerns

The Adoption of Restorative Justice Legislation as a State Policy Response to Criminal Justice Concerns PDF Author: Shannon M. Sliva
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Corrections
Languages : en
Pages : 209

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Book Description
Over the past two decades, 32 states have enacted legislation supporting the use of restorative justice as crime response. The purpose of this study is to explore the contexts in which restorative justice has been adopted as a policy solution for juveniles and adults by answering the following questions: (1) Are internal characteristics of American states correlated with the adoption of restorative justice legislation between 1988 and 2014? (2) How have social, economic, political, or other factors promoted or impeded the adoption of restorative justice legislation in key states? This study uses a convergent-parallel mixed-methods approach to develop an empirically supported, contextual understanding of the state policy environments in which restorative justice policies are adopted. A quantitative cross-sectional analysis of secondary data from all 50 states uses ordinal regression to test whether hypothesized variables predict more supportive adoptions of restorative justice legislation at the state level. Concurrently, two case studies use in-depth interview methods to further explore the policy environment and the legislative decision-making process. Quantitative and qualitative data are analyzed in a convergent approach, integrating insights from both methods about the adoption of restorative justice legislation. Results indicate that social factors are more useful than economic or overt political factors in explaining the adoption of legislation to support restorative justice. More supportive restorative justice legislation in a state was predicted by a higher percentage of female legislators, a higher proportion of Black Americans, and a higher state incarceration rate. Higher crime rates slightly decreased the likelihood of more supportive adoptions. Party affiliation, state fiscal capacity, tribal populations, and victims' rights policy preferences were not predictive of more or less supportive adoptions. Case studies of legislative processes in Texas and Colorado - two states having undergone recent consideration of restorative justice bills with divergent outcomes - suggest that the legitimacy of restorative justice practices at a grassroots level, the involvement of advocacy coalitions and interest groups, and the characteristics and actions of the legislative sponsor entrusted with carrying the bill are key influences. Especially for more basic policy adoptions, these influences trump party ties and economic considerations. With the highest documented incarceration rate in the world and prisons that showcase systemic race and class disparities, the United States is at a critical junction in policymaking. This study helps decode current legislative trends and identifies pressure points that are now leading states to consider alternative forms of justice. It aids practitioners working in the justice system in understanding how they can use statutory support for restorative justice to bolster their work, and it equips policymakers and advocates with influential messages and advocacy strategies. It also suggests ways to empower marginalized voices in advocacy efforts and addresses ethical risks such as the high potential for racial disparity in selection for diversion programs like restorative justice. This study assists social workers in knowledgeably offering innovative policy solutions that best serve victims, offenders, and communities harmed by crime.

The Children's Bureau Legacy

The Children's Bureau Legacy PDF Author: Administration on Children, Youth and Families
Publisher: Government Printing Office
ISBN: 0160917220
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 276

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Book Description
Comprehensive history of the Children’s Bureau from 1912-2012 in eBook form that shares the legacy of this landmark agency that established the first Federal Government programs, research and social reform initiatives aimed to improve the safety, permanency and well-being of children, youth and families. In addition to bios of agency heads and review of legislation and publications, this important book provides a critical look at the evolution of the Nation and its treatment of children as it covers often inspiring and sometimes heart-wrenching topics such as: child labor; the Orphan Trains, adoption and foster care; infant and maternal mortality and childhood diseases; parenting, infant and child care education; the role of women's clubs and reformers; child welfare standards; Aid to Dependent Children; Depression relief; children of migrants and minorities (African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans), including Indian Boarding Schools and Indian Adoption Program; disabled children care; children in wartime including support of military families and World War II refugee children; Juvenile delinquency; early childhood education Head Start; family planning; child abuse and neglect; natural disaster recovery; and much more. Child welfare and related professionals, legislators, educators, researchers and advocates, university school of social work faculty and staff, libraries, and others interested in social work related to children, youth and families, particularly topics such as preventing child abuse and neglect, foster care, and adoption will be interested in this comprehensive history of the Children's Bureau that has been funded by the U.S. Federal Government since 1912.

U.S. Health in International Perspective

U.S. Health in International Perspective PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309264146
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 421

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Book Description
The United States is among the wealthiest nations in the world, but it is far from the healthiest. Although life expectancy and survival rates in the United States have improved dramatically over the past century, Americans live shorter lives and experience more injuries and illnesses than people in other high-income countries. The U.S. health disadvantage cannot be attributed solely to the adverse health status of racial or ethnic minorities or poor people: even highly advantaged Americans are in worse health than their counterparts in other, "peer" countries. In light of the new and growing evidence about the U.S. health disadvantage, the National Institutes of Health asked the National Research Council (NRC) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to convene a panel of experts to study the issue. The Panel on Understanding Cross-National Health Differences Among High-Income Countries examined whether the U.S. health disadvantage exists across the life span, considered potential explanations, and assessed the larger implications of the findings. U.S. Health in International Perspective presents detailed evidence on the issue, explores the possible explanations for the shorter and less healthy lives of Americans than those of people in comparable countries, and recommends actions by both government and nongovernment agencies and organizations to address the U.S. health disadvantage.

The Politics of Adoption

The Politics of Adoption PDF Author: Kerry O'Halloran
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402091524
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 511

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Book Description
This book analyses the social and legal functions of adoption in selected societies worldwide, and reviews the current global wave of adoption law reform. The author explores trends such as inter-country adoption, and examines similarities and differences in the experience of many nations. The book also provides a window for testing the presumption that within and between cultures there exists a common understanding of what is meant by adoption.

Explaining the Adoption and Comprehensiveness of Morality Policy Innovations in the American States

Explaining the Adoption and Comprehensiveness of Morality Policy Innovations in the American States PDF Author: Maureen Rand Oakley
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Fetal death
Languages : en
Pages : 416

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Book Description


Prevention, Policy, and Public Health

Prevention, Policy, and Public Health PDF Author: Amy A. Eyler
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0190224657
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 409

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Book Description
Prevention, Policy, and Public Health provides a basic foundation for students, professionals, and researchers to be more effective in the policy arena. It offers information on the dynamics of the policymaking process, theoretical frameworks, analysis, and policy applications. It also offers coverage of advocacy and communication, the two most integral aspects of shaping policies for public health.

Model Rules of Professional Conduct

Model Rules of Professional Conduct PDF Author: American Bar Association. House of Delegates
Publisher: American Bar Association
ISBN: 9781590318737
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 216

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Book Description
The Model Rules of Professional Conduct provides an up-to-date resource for information on legal ethics. Federal, state and local courts in all jurisdictions look to the Rules for guidance in solving lawyer malpractice cases, disciplinary actions, disqualification issues, sanctions questions and much more. In this volume, black-letter Rules of Professional Conduct are followed by numbered Comments that explain each Rule's purpose and provide suggestions for its practical application. The Rules will help you identify proper conduct in a variety of given situations, review those instances where discretionary action is possible, and define the nature of the relationship between you and your clients, colleagues and the courts.