OMB Part B

Part B – Statistical Methods

If selecting “Yes” on question 17 of OMB Form 83-I or if selecting in ROCIS that the collection will employ statistical methods, then the organization sponsoring the collection will include responses to the following questions to the extent that they apply to the statistical methods proposed in addition to the answers and information provided in Supporting Statement Part A.

1.     Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection methods to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection had been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

The respondent universe for the ATCS is summarized in Table 1 below. Qualtrics survey links will be sent via email to all members of the respondent universe currently serving as local treatment court coordinators, Judges presiding over Tribal Healing-to-Wellness Courts, and State/Territory Coordinators. As a result, data will be gathered from the population of interest versus a sample. NDCRC staff will work closely with TTA providers from the Center for Court Innovation (CCI), National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP), and Tribal Law & Policy Institute (TLPI) to make contact with these individuals in an effort to maximize the response rate on all three surveys. The State/Territory Coordinator survey was last conducted in 2016 and achieved a response rate of 98%. This upcoming cycle of surveys represents the first time the Local Treatment Court and Tribal Healing-to-Wellness Court surveys will be disseminated.

Table 1: ATC Survey Respondent Universe

ATC Survey	# of Respondents	Response Rate in 2016	Expected Response Rate
Local Treatment Court	4,172	N/A	75%
Tribal Healing-to-Wellness Court	117	N/A	75%
State/Territory Coordinator	54	98%	98%
Total	4,343

2.     Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

• Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,

• Estimation procedure,

• Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification,

• Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures, and

• Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

As stated above, sampling procedures will not be utilized, as data from the ATCS will be gathered from the populations of interest. The purpose of the ATCS is to gather 1) demographic information regarding participants enrolled in various types of problem-solving courts in operation within states/territories and tribal communities and 2) information regarding the program structure and operation. The ATCS will be conducted every two years to reduce burden on the individuals providing said data.

3.     Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non- response. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

NDCRC staff will work with the following TTA Provider entities to maximize response rate and minimize survey non-response. Each of these entities works directly with each of the respondent universes and has agreed to assist NDCRC with survey dissemination and developing strategies for gathering data within each jurisdiction. Moreover, all three TTA Providers have a vested interest in the NDCRC obtaining valid and reliable survey information, which will be used to describe and summarize the current state of problem-solving courts.

ATC Survey	TTA Provider Entities
Local Treatment Court	National Association of Drug Court Professionals
Tribal Healing-to-Wellness Court	Tribal Law & Policy Institute
State/Territory Coordinator	Center for Court Innovation

    

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or more respondents. A proposed test or set of test may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.

Experts in survey research methodology and the field of problem-solving courts will review the structure of the three surveys, including question wording, question order, and ensuring all contingency questions and skip patterns operate as intended. In addition, the survey research experts will assess both the readability and time necessary to complete the survey instrument.

5.     Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

The below-listed individuals were consulted on statistical aspects of the design of the ATCS. Moreover, all individuals will be involved in various aspects of both data collection and/or analysis.

Dr. David Hartmann 269-387-5281 david.hartmann@wmich.edu

Dr. Kristen DeVall 910-962-2351 devallk@uncw.edu

Dr. Christina Lanier 910-962-7571 lanierc@uncw.edu

Ms. Savannah Bryson 910-962-2955 brysons@uncw.edu