ISPR staff presented study findings at the National Child Abuse and Neglect Conference in Atlanta Georgia on April 2, 2009.  Participating in a conference with Prevent Child Abuse America and the National Indian Child Welfare Association, the presentation focused on describing progress on the Tribal Youth Victimization and Delinquency study as well as data from the secondary analysis of YRBSS data. The conference venue provided an important opportunity to disseminate information about the project and to inform advocates about child abuse and neglect issues in Indian Country.

April 23rd and April 24th marked the culmination of the training of 75 educational mentors as part of Project EASE.  The training program has drawn a diverse group of trainees including volunteers, professionals who work with youth, and individuals who operate mentoring programs.  As Project EASE moves forward into its 3rd year, decisions are being made about how to sustain this important local initiative.  Legacy Foundation is serving as the fiscal agent for Project EASE.

ISPR staff presented findings in a presentation titled “Tribal Youth Victimization and Delinquency: An Analysis of Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey Data” at the 22nd Annual Research Conference on Children’s Mental Health.  The conference was convened between March 1 and March 3 in Tampa, Florida. ISPR Director Thomas W. Pavkov and Research Assistant Leah Travis partnered with staff from the National Indian Child Welfare Association for the presentation.  Research findings focused on the disparities that exists between American Indian/Alaskan Native youth compared to youth from other ethnic groups related to both victimization and delinquency.  The research team continues to develop the data from this analysis for dissemination at other venues.   

Project EASE will begin its fifth round of training on February 5th and 6th. The two day training will focus on best practices in mentoring programs. It is targeted at individuals who are currently involved in managing mentoring programs or those who are interested in starting a mentoring program. For more information on the training, contact Dr. Richard Hug at hugr@iun.edu.

The Institute for Social and Policy Research (ISPR) at Purdue University Calumet will host a Fall 2008 Open House event on Friday October 17, 2008 at 12:30 P.M. at the Institute!  The Open House is intended to introduce individuals to the mission and work of the Institute.  We are excited that Dan A. Lewis, Professor of Human Development and Social Policy and Faculty Fellow at the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University, has accepted our invitation to speak at this event.  Dr. Lewis has pursued a highly referenced program of policy research throughout the Chicagoland area focusing on educational reform, mental health policy, and most recently on the impact of welfare reform.  Dr. Lewis will speak from 12:30 P.M.- 2:00 P.M. at the research luncheon. You can learn more about Dr. Lewis and his work at http://www.northwestern.edu/ipr/people/lewis.html. If you are interested in attending this event, please RSVP at ispr_openhouse2008@yahoo.com. A light lunch will be served.