Browsing by Author "Gonzalez, Lucia F."

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    2022 Safe From the Start Process Evaluation
    (Illinoi Criminal Justice Information Authority, 2023-06-23) Nguyen, Stephanie L.; Gonzalez, Lucia F.; Vasquez, Amanda L.
    ICJIA researchers conducted a process evaluation of the Safe From the Start (SFS) program, examining the program’s operation with a focus on its three core pillars of coalition building, direct services, and public awareness. Researchers analyzed data collected from clinicians and administrative staff across nine program sites via an online survey, four focus groups, and nine virtual site visits. Findings indicated that providers' key objectives for coalition building were to streamline family referrals, collaborate with partners on public awareness efforts, and educate partners on childhood exposure to violence. Sites coordinated quarterly coalition meetings and annual professional development trainings to increase collaboration among service agencies. Providers’ direct service activities involved making referrals, developing service plans, and providing therapeutic treatment. While providers used 17 different therapeutic treatment modalities across sites, all sites commonly utilized play therapy or Theraplay. Also, sites engaged in public awareness activities by offering presentations, workshops, and trainings at community events. They employed various strategies to reach underserved victims by mitigating language barriers and increasing access to services. While unique barriers and strengths were noted within each pillar, multiple sites encountered capacity, technology, and COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges that impacted all pillars. Recommendations for programmatic improvement and avenues for future research are discussed.[Author Abstract]
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    2022 Victim service planning research report
    (Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, 2023-08-22) Vasquez, Amanda L.; Gonzalez, Lucia F.; Nguyen, Stephanie; Schaffner, Caleb; Hiselman, Jennifer; Smith, Erinne; Hailey, Shataun; Reichgelt, Ronnie
    The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) created the Victim Services Planning Committee (VSPC) to recommend Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) priority funding areas, a VAWA funding requirement. To better coordinate federal funding for victim services in Illinois, ICJIA also uses the VSPC’s recommendations to guide the administration of Victim of Crime Act funds. The committee is comprised of representatives from victim service and community-based organizations; child welfare, public health, and criminal justice stakeholders, such as law enforcement and prosecutors; and ICJIA Board members. ICJIA convened two virtual, public meetings with members of the VSPC to consider and discuss priority areas for the 2022-2025 victim service funding cycle. The VSPC met in January 2022 and March 2022. During the second VSPC meeting, members voted unanimously to approve the proposed 2022 victim service priority funding areas. The ICJIA Board approved the priority areas in Spring 2023. These priorities will inform future grantmaking to address victim service needs and gaps in Illinois for the next several years. [Author Abstract]