Students analyzed the Sauk County Adult Treatment Court and the Substance Use Diversion and Support program.
Equitable policymaking
Child Savings Accounts in Wisconsin: A Cost-Benefit Analysis
Students assessed the long-term costs and benefits of investment in universal child savings accounts for Wisconsin residents.
A Benefit-Cost Analysis of Expanding Access to Child Care in La Crosse County, Wisconsin
Students completed a benefit-cost analysis of three potential alternatives to current policy to increase the availability and affordability of child care in La Crosse County, Wisconsin.
Improving Outcomes in Wisconsin’s Youth Justice System Post-Pandemic: Fines, Fees, and Community Supervision
Health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic led to creative changes in youth justice practice and a significant reduction in Wisconsin’s youth justice population.
Fentanyl Interdiction in the U.S. Mail: A Cost-Benefit Analysis
For Cost-Benefit Analysis Public Affairs 881 taught by David Weimer, Fall 2019
A Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Transitioning Together Program
For Cost-Benefit Analysis Public Affairs 881 taught by David Weimer, Fall 2019
Benefit-Cost Analysis of Expanding Wisconsin’s Independent Living Program Eligibility Criteria
For Cost-Benefit Analysis Public Affairs 881 taught by David Weimer, Fall 2020
Valuing Daycare Proximity to Affordable Housing in Dane County
For Cost-Benefit Analysis Public Affairs 881 taught by David Weimer, Fall 2020
A High-Speed Future: Evaluating the Wisconsin Broadband Expansion Grant Program
Expanding the coverage and quality of internet services remains an important challenge throughout Wisconsin. The Broadband Expansion Grant Program, managed by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, aims to assist in the development of internet services in “unserved” and “underserved” areas of the state by awarding grants to fund the building of new broadband infrastructure. This report evaluates the grant program by analyzing feedback from past grant applicants and recipients and by examining program data against American Community Survey data. Several recommendations to increase the equity and effectiveness of the grant program are provided.
Addressing Domestic Abuse in Family Court Cases Involving Guardians ad Litem in Wisconsin
Guardians ad Litem (GALs) are attorneys who play a critical role in the family court system by representing the best interests of children while providing a recommendation for custody and placement. Though GALs are required to investigate for domestic abuse in every case, survivors and advocates sometimes find that a thorough investigation was not completed. Our goal is to investigate the barriers GALs face in implementing best practices concerning domestic abuse. This report analyzes data collected through surveys of stakeholders, as well as 25 interviews conducted in select counties. Our analysis shows that GALs face distinct barriers to their practice and to addressing domestic abuse. These fell under five main categories: payments and payment systems, resources, training, uniformity, and pro se representation (or self-representation). We provide seven prioritized recommendations to address these issues through increased county responsibility and shared services, expanded training opportunities for family court professionals, and greater statewide oversight.