Paul Joseph Frick, PhD
Research Professor of Psychology
Chair of Department of Psychology
University of New Orleans
VIDEO RIGHT: Paul Joseph Frick from the University of New Orleans talks about the role of data collection and analysis in reform efforts.
Fair, rational, and effective are words that describe Paul Frick. His diligent efforts are facilitating the spread of these same attributes throughout the juvenile justice system in his home state of Louisiana.
As a professor at the University of New Orleans and part of the Models for Change Louisiana team, Dr. Frick has demonstrated that data is a powerful tool for change. “Paul’s data is giving us concrete information about how youths are entering the system, what interventions are being provided and the outcomes. This gives us a rock-solid foundation for reform,” says Debra DePrato, Director of Models for Change Louisiana.
Dr. Frick has also motivated and organized his colleagues. In a state that has recently embraced community-based reforms, he exemplifies the desire of committed professionals across the state - from local sites to state government - to work toward a common goal of achieving improvements in the juvenile justice system.
To that end, he has developed a comprehensive mapping process of the juvenile justice system in each parish; formed and coordinated a state data group involving local universities, members of the National Resource Bank, and Lead Entity; created more than 35 data reports to aid National Resource Bank and local sites in selecting goals for their work; and developed an Outcome Evaluation Plan to help evaluate effectiveness in reaching those goals. He has also developed a proposal for a multi-site database, expected to become a statewide standard by 2009. He has completed all of these complex tasks in just two years.
“Paul’s great accomplishment is integrating his understanding of child and adolescent psychology and immense data collection expertise with an understanding of politics and policy,” continues DePrato. “He knows how important data collection and research are in developing effective interventions that lead to lasting reforms and better lives for kids.”