A Question of Evidence: A Critique of Risk Assessment Models Used in the Justice System

This report explores the problems with the present state of risk assessment in the justice field as we at NCCD see them. The critique offered here is the result of many conversations with others in the justice community as well as a review of predictive research conducted in other fields. We recognize that much of what is presented is contrary to current understanding and acceptance, but we hope that it clarifies what evidence is required for the designation of best practice

Reforming Buffalo\u27s Tax Foreclosure Process

The City of Buffalo holds an annual foreclosure auction to collect on delinquent taxes and fees owed by its residents. This is a way for the City to raise revenue that would otherwise go unpaid and for Buffalo citizens to buy buildings and lots at bargain prices. But the foreclosure process is imposing a high cost upon some of Buffalo’s most vulnerable citizens, creating an unnecessary burden on people trying to stay in their homes, and adding to the already existing epidemic of housing abandonment and blight

Factors effecting an obesity reduction treatment programme in a secondary school : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Applied Psychology at Massey University /

The present study examined the effects of a 21 week programme on 9 obese adolescents in a school setting. The study's theme was chosen because research in the area of adolescent obesity is sparse. Self monitoring of intake, self monitoring of increased exercise, varying frequency of weighings and continuing instruction in the behavioural control of eating were used. Varying measures were examined to try to find predictors of the Ss' success probabilities and to describe psychological aspects associated with adolescent obesity. Significant correlations with weight loss indicated that: (a) gains in personal adjustment followed weight loss; (b) California Test of Personality Scores and Primary School Record Personal Effort Scores, were good predictors of success; (c) degree of self monitoring of intake and degree of family support were closely associated with success; It was found that: (d) increased exercise output was an important factor; (e) trends were present showing improved academic performance following weight loss; (f) obese adolescents had significantly more absences from school and were high risks for truancy and premature termination of schooling. These findings were discussed relative to the literature on obesity

Towards Sustainable Co-Management of Mekong River Inland Aquatic Resources, Including Fisheries, in Southern Lao PDR

This paper presents historical information regarding the development of the aquatic resource co-management system in Khong District, Champasak Province, Southern Lao PDF. Between 1993 and 1998, 63 villages in Khong District established co-management regulations to sustainably manage and conserve inland aquatic resources, including fisheries, in the Mekong River, streams, backwater wetlands, and rice paddy fields. Local government has endorsed these regulations, but villages have been given the mandate to choose what regulations to adopt based on local conditions and community consensus. Communities are also empowered to alter regulations in response to changing circumstances. Villagers have widely reported increased fish catches since the adoption of aquatic resource co-management regulations. Improved solidarity and coordination within and between rural fishing and farming villages has also been observed. While many of the lessons learned from the co-management experience in Khong are applicable to other parts of Laos and the region, unique conditions in different areas will require inventive approaches to meet local needs. Common property regimes can break down in crisis, but experience in Khong indicates that they can also be strengthened in response to resource management crisis

Thomas Hooker, Martin Luther, and the Terror at the Edge of Protestant Faith

Unlike their Roman Catholic counterparts, early Protestants insisted that individual Christians could be certain that they personally enjoyed God’s favor and would be saved. Their faith in Christ’s redeeming work would give them “assurance of salvation,” and their ministers insisted that every Christian ought to feel that assurance. This article argues that Protestant assurance did not – and could not – banish believers’ anxiety that God’s saving promises had never been meant for them. “Behind” the God who promised salvation lurked a “hidden God” who had decided the ultimate fate of every individual before the beginning of time. Even the strongest believers – Martin Luther and the first-generation New England minister Thomas Hooker are offered as examples – dreaded the wrath of a terrifying God who might at any moment dash their comfort to pieces