This document discusses using scientific evidence to shape public policy on violence prevention. It argues that brain science can challenge core beliefs that fuel tough-on-crime approaches and open the door for alternative strategies. Lasting change requires grassroots movements, leadership, and aligning interests. Evidence shows that early childhood education, parent support, and addressing disadvantage can work long-term, while developing adolescent skills and trauma-informed approaches can have shorter-term impacts. The Cure Violence model effectively reduces violence and spreads organically. Federal policies now emphasize evidence-based, two-generation strategies and performance partnerships to support reentry.

1. What’s Science Got to Do With It?
Shaping Public Policy on Violence
Prevention
Charles J. Homer

2. What does it take to move policy?
• Political will
• Scientific evidence
base
• Social
Infrastructure
2

3. Brain Science and Political
Will
• Potential to challenge core beliefs about crime:
– Core belief 1: Bad people cause crime
– Core belief 2: Criminal behavior inevitable result of
inadequate parenting
– Core belief 3: Criminal behavior results directly from
lack of alternative means of economic support
– Core belief 4: Toughness is the only effective strategy
• Gives an opening for public support for
alternatives strategies for violence prevention…
with risks
3

4. Mobilizing Political Will
• Grass roots movement
• Windows of opportunity
• Motivated leaders
• Convergence of interests

5. Brain Science and Evidence
Base
• The long game:
– Early childhood education
– Parent education and support
– Directly addressing conditions of disadvantage:
• Exposure to violence, substance use, homelessness

6. Brain Science and Evidence
Base
• The shorter term game:
– Developing “executive function” capabilities in
adolescence and young adulthood
– Recognizing impact of “trauma” and adjusting
approaches (mental health, policing, human
services) accordingly

7. Cure Violence
• Theory based intervention
– Theory of contagion/infectious disease
– Tie to brain science…through trauma
• Very good evidence of effectiveness
• Diffusion of innovation / natural spread
• What will it take to get to “tipping point”?

8. Evidence and Policy 2008-2016
• Tiered evidence initiatives
– Home Visiting
– Teen Pregnancy Prevention
• Evidence-based Policymaking
Commission Act of 2016
• Other arenas (health care): Cost savings
8

9. Social Infrastructure
• Potential obstacle to spread
• Is this a public health function (Baltimore)
• Human services function
– community action agencies
• Education
• Policing
9

10. Examples of Relevant HHS and
Other Federal Policies

13. Two Generation Strategies

14. Federal Interagency
Re-Entry Council

15. Federal Interagency
Re-Entry Council

16. Reenty Mythbuster
Series

17. Reenty Mythbuster
Series
Federal Agencies Change Hiring

18. Reenty Mythbuster
Series
Federal Agencies Change Hiring

19. Reenty Mythbuster
Series
Federal Agencies Change Hiring
Performance Partnership
Pilots

20. Thank you!
Charles J. Homer, MD, MPH
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Human Services Policy - ASPE/HHS
(202) -690-7409 – charles.homer@hhs.gov