What we’re working on:

Though our projects are not limited to those discussed below, we generally apply frameworks related to policy implementation science and legal epidemiology to the following areas of interest:

Methodology

Policy implementation science is the study of how policies and practices are used (or not) in larger institutions such as healthcare and the legal system.

Legal epidemiology is the study of law as a factor in the cause, distribution, and prevention of disease and injury in a population.

Areas of Interest

Our ongoing projects are diverse and cover a range of topics. Some are more academic/theoretical, though many are applied. We conduct research, engage in consultation, and provide subject matter expertise.

Though we broadly work at the intersection of public health, behavioral health, and legal systems, our main areas of interest are as follows:

  • Gun Violence Solutions

    Using a public health framework to understand the gun violence epidemic and the impact of potential solutions. Our main focus is on the use of Extreme Risk Protective Orders (ERPOs).

    Ongoing projects include:

    • Legislative reviews and consultation

    • Virginia SRO (ERPO) implementation

  • Decisional Capacity

    Promoting shared decision-making, particularly around healthcare decisions. Our main focus is the use of advance directives (ADs).

    Ongoing projects include:

    • Legislative reviews and consultation

    • Training for advance directives

    • Implementation of advance directives

  • Decriminalizing Mental Illness

    Investigating policy and treatment solutions to the high number of mentally ill individuals in jails and prisons.

    Ongoing projects include:

    • Legislative reviews and consultation

    • Feasibility research on diversion strategies

    • Solutions to the ongoing “competence crisis”

  • Behavioral Health and Court Data

    Using public data sets to better understand a variety of topics related to behavioral health and court (both civil and criminal) processes.

    Ongoing projects include:

    • Legislative reviews and consultation

    • Use of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI)

Get in Touch

Have a research or policy need? We can help!

We do not provide legal advice or services. For forensic evaluations, please contact our clinical colleagues here.

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