Current Projects

Immigration and Criminal Behavior. This project is funded by the National Institute of Justice and will examine factors related to crime and victimization among U.S. citizens and immigrants to the U.S. in El Paso, Texas. More information about this project can be found on NIJ’s website.

Implementation and Efficacy of Pretrial Risk Assessment. This study examines the implementation and effectiveness of a pretrial risk assessment tool. Specifically, we are assessing the extent to which the tool can predict failure to appear (FTA) and recidivism among people awaiting trial.

SDS Training Evaluation. This study seeks to understand the effectiveness of a training program aimed at improving probation supervision known as Skills Driven Supervision (SDS). In particular, this study examines the factors related to successful implementation of a probation supervision program and the key ingredients to the effectiveness of the training.

Recent Projects

The Self-Stigma of Mental Illness Among Latinos on the U.S.-Mexico Border. This examined self-stigma and empowerment among Latinos with mental illness and how these constructs contribute to recovery, quality of life, and treatment seeking. This project was funded by a collaborative research grant from ConTex to The University of Texas at El Paso and Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez.

Results: Self-stigma of mental illness among Latino people on the U.S.-México border

Mental Health Screening in Hispanic Juvenile Offenders. This study examined the utility of a mental health screening measure (the MAYSI-2) among Hispanic juvenile offenders (primarily of Mexican and Mexican-American origin). This project was conducted in partnership with the El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department, with the goal of maximizing the accuracy of identifying serious mental disorder among Hispanic juveniles in correctional settings.

Results: Using the MAYSI-2 to identify mental disorder among Latino juvenile offenders

The Role of Social Support in Mental Health Treatment Seeking in Justice-Involved Hispanics. This study examined the factors related to mental health treatment seeking among Hispanics who are under criminal justice supervision. Because people on probation who have mental illness are often required to attend treatment, treatment non-adherence is both a mental health and criminal justice outcome (e.g., probationers can be arrested for failure to attend treatment). This study was funded by the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health.

TRAS Training Evaluation. This project evaluated the training given to probation officers in Travis County, Texas, related to the implementation of a new statewide risk assessment tool known as the TRAS.

Results: Probation officer role emphases and use of risk assessment information before and after training

Understanding the Mental Health and Trauma Needs of Hispanic Women Offenders. This study represents a first step towards understanding the unique mental health needs of Hispanic women offenders, and the factors that lead these women towards criminal behavior. This research was conducted with the assistance of the El Paso County Sheriff's office, and was funded by a grant from the University Research Institute at UTEP.

Results: The role of mental illness in women’s pathways to crime living in a U.S.-México border region