Kirsty Jones, CRM, IGP, CIP, CPRO

This new paper describes the process and results of co-developing a theory of change for community-based youth firearm violence intervention and prevention programs in Washington state through a community-researcher partnership. https://lnkd.in/gsgvdNXs

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I find it very interesting that the Colorado False Claims Act can be used against government vendors or contractors making untrue statements about the accessibility of products or services. https://lnkd.in/gSpPZ-4j

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🌟 Over the past few months, two major in-prison career fairs have made a significant impact on Oregon's justice system, offering hope and pathways to employment for incarcerated individuals. In August, the Second Chance Career & Resource Fair at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) saw over 300 participants engage with 18 organizations, providing resources and opportunities for successful reentry. In September, the Second Chance Career Fair at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP), led by the 7th Step Foundation, continued this momentum, receiving glowing feedback from employers and unions alike, who called these events "the best outreach events" they had attended. These transformative fairs, sponsored by Opportunity Oregon in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Corrections, WorkSource Oregon, Oregon Corrections Enterprises, and others, provide tools for career development, starting behind bars and continuing with meaningful employment post-release. A key partner, Union Pacific Railroad, showcased second chance hiring by sharing job opportunities with incarcerated women at Coffee Creek Correctional. As the demand for skilled workers grows, employers are encouraged to join in these efforts, tapping into a dedicated and eager talent pool. The success of these career fairs highlights the power of collaboration in creating real opportunities for individuals reentering society. Together, we can foster second chances and build stronger, more inclusive communities. 💼 #SecondChanceHiring #ReentrySuccess #CareerFairs #OregonJustice #PathwaysToEmployment #OpportunityOregon

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As the coordinating entity for Colorado’s implementation of Evidence-Based Decision Making (EBDM), we appreciate the opportunity to work closely with staff at the Colorado Joint Budget Committee and the Office of State Planning & Budgeting to develop research-informed language for HB24-1428, drawing on lessons learned from initial implementation efforts. This new law advances the state’s vision of evidence-based decision making by consistently appling evidence throughout the state’s budgeting process. https://bit.ly/3x2FRDe

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Time to Update Your Anti-Harassment Training: The EEOC’s New Guidance on Preventing Workplace Harassment and What It Means for Idaho Employers - https://lnkd.in/gRAGA-qm

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If you missed my presentation hosted by the Private Investigators Association of Idaho (PIAI), it's available on YouTube. In this webinar, I cover what public records are and what they are not, challenges of working with public records, and tips and strategies for efficient and effective public records research. #onlineresearch #gumshoelibrarian #privateinvestigations https://lnkd.in/gCtFXruw

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🚨Important and concerning news 🚨 Today, the Oregon Department of Education and Tina Kotek announced they are delaying the release of the latest summative K-12 outcomes data. The timing is devastating. This is the fall before a regular legislative session, during which we are slated to discuss school funding and accountability reform. Without this critical information, how will we understand where we are and where we need to go? This leaves me wondering: Who is responsible for the education of Oregon's children and youth? Oregon leaders at the highest levels consistently pass the buck on student outcomes, with no standard theory of action or goals for our K12 education system. We need to clarify how we measure our students' success and establish a commitment to continuous improvement. The impact is predictable: Our children will be underprepared to succeed beyond high school. Yet, there is a shortage of collective outrage. Are we really okay with leaving their success to chance? Or, worse, are we allowing the typical predictors of student success, like the family's ability to pay for tutoring and out-of-school support, to fail our underestimated students systematically? I am hearing, behind the scenes, in private emails and DMs, that this is horrifying. Families tell me they are underwhelmed and uncertain about their children's education quality. Yet, there is no table for them to air their concerns. Businesses have primarily disengaged, putting no pressure on our schools to transform and innovate toward a modern, connected approach to school. As a result, we are collectively guilty of sweeping our concerns about Oregon schools under the rug. In my growing work throughout Portland and my home state, I've met with leaders, businesses, and families to understand the nuances of their experiences. For the most part, everybody agrees that something has to change. However, we lack the advocacy infrastructure necessary to house and push these concerns toward a fresh policy agenda that will boldly change the landscape of K12 education in our state. Who is going to show up to do this? Where do we go from here? If you're interested in this work, please comment, reach out, and let me know. It's time to get loud and build something. We don't have to stay galvanized in our current path ... we can define a new way of improving Oregon schools together. #NewTables #NewVoices #NewSchools #OregonReform #SchoolImprovement #GovernanceMatters

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My latest paper, on reemployment bonuses: "Do Reemployment Bonuses Increase Employment? Evidence from the Idaho Return to Work Bonus Program". Abstract: In June 2020, Idaho announced the Return to Work Bonus program, which provided residents who returned to work with bonuses of up to $1,500. Using multiple data sources, we present difference-in-differences, triple differences, and synthetic control estimates suggesting the program may have increased individual employment and accelerated flows into employment from unemployment and from nonparticipation in the labor force. We show the program likely increased state-level employment rates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to study the effects of reemployment bonuses on the U.S. labor market outside an experimental setting. Joint with Duncan Hobbs. Link: https://lnkd.in/eKdAC-_u

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Important DOJ finding to ensure people with I/DD have access to inclusive programs that provide connection and purpose.

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During #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth, we celebrate the power of partnership in Tribal MIECHV program evaluations. This publication examines how evaluators and tribal communities work together to create transparent, respectful evaluations that help align programs with the strengths and values of AI/AN communities. https://lnkd.in/erTPdMqT

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FEMA released an updated version of the National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) earlier this month. This revised framework explains the federal government’s roles and responsibilities for organizing and deploying disaster recovery assistance. These revisions incorporate valuable feedback from Tribal Nations, state and local partners, territories, nonprofits, voluntary organizations, businesses, and academic experts during the 30-day public comment period in October 2024. The NDRF aims to enhance effective collaboration between federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial agencies and inform nongovernmental partners of their roles. It remains a crucial resource for building resilience and preparedness in disaster recovery operations. Read the updated framework: https://zurl.co/hIfLD #DisasterRecovery #EmergencyManagement #Preparedness

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🏛️ Understanding Tribal Sovereignty: A Complex Legal Landscape 🌎 How do tribal nations navigate governance, cultural autonomy, and the evolving legal frameworks that impact their sovereignty? In a recent Idaho Science & Technology Policy Fellowship session, University of Idaho Law Professor Jordan Gross explored the historical and contemporary challenges of tribal governance and law in the U.S. Key Insights: 🔑Despite the U.S. Constitution recognizing the sovereignty of Native nations, federal oversight and state interference often limit tribal autonomy. 🔑Treaties signed before 1871 remain legally binding, yet Congress can still abrogate treaties—a power upheld in the Supreme Court case Lone Wolf v. Hitchcock (1903). 🔑Tribal constitutions reflect a diverse balance of federal influence and cultural governance, underscoring the self-determination of Native nations. 🔑Laws like the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 have further complicated sovereignty, requiring tribes to negotiate compacts with states over gaming activities. 🚩 Why It Matters: These legal and cultural challenges aren’t just historical—they continue to impact tribal self-governance, autonomy, and recognition today. As Professor Gross emphasized, understanding these issues is critical to advocating for fair and equitable policy solutions. “Tribal sovereignty is not just a legal question—it’s deeply tied to cultural identity, autonomy, and self-determination.” 👉 Read the full article to learn more about this important discussion: https://lnkd.in/eW4Vce7U What role can scientists, engineers, and policy advocates play in supporting tribal self-determination? Share your thoughts below!

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  🌟 Spotlight on Accountability: Investigating Official Misconduct in Washington State 🌟 Public trust hinges on ethical governance, but what happens when public servants misuse their positions or fail to uphold their duties? Official misconduct, as defined under RCW 9A.80.010, can take many forms, from misuse of state resources to harassment and negligence. 🔍 Recent Examples of Official Misconduct:            • A Department of Licensing employee used state resources for personal activities, resulting in a $2,500 civil penalty, with $1,000 suspended.            • A Corrections officer misused work hours for personal internet browsing, incurring a $500 fine, with $200 suspended.            • A Department of Agriculture employee harassed a colleague using state communication tools and faced a $1,500 penalty. 💡 How Investigators Can Address Official Misconduct: 1️⃣ Document Everything: Maintain detailed dates, actions, and communications records. 2️⃣ Follow Internal Reporting Protocols: Notify the appropriate authority within your organization. 3️⃣ Report to the Washington State Executive Ethics Board: File a confidential complaint for ethical violations. 4️⃣ Seek Legal Counsel: Consult with an ethics advisor or attorney experienced in public sector cases. 5️⃣ Understand Whistleblower Protections: Familiarize yourself with laws like RCW 42.40 to guard against retaliation. 6️⃣ Leverage External Resources: Utilize guidance from organizations like the ACFE or regional ethics boards. As fraud investigators, CFEs are critical in upholding ethical standards and ensuring public accountability. Following these steps can contribute to a culture of transparency and trust. 📖 To dive deeper into this topic, check out the full blog post on the ACFE PNW Chapter website. #FraudPrevention #EthicsInGovernment #CertifiedFraudExaminers #PublicAccountability #ACFEPNW

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While the 2024 Idaho Legislative Session may have just wrapped, it's time to consider policy changes needed in 2025. This year, IAC is providing two separate templates for proposed resolutions: the 2025 Proposed Legislative Resolution template and the new 2025 Proposed Policy Resolution template. Access both templates, learn why two templates are beneficial, get tips for proposal success, and find important upcoming dates all on our blog. https://lnkd.in/gi8MHjbt #IDCounties #IDLeg #Idaho #Counties #Policy

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