Tennessee does not currently collect accurate caseload data from its courts. The problem is particularly acute in the General Sessions Courts, where almost all cases originate and where the vast majority are disposed of. The problem is twofold: In some counties, no data is being collected or reported; in other counties, data is being collected and/or reported, but in a format inconsistent with the standard definition of a "case". In most instances, general sessions courts report charges against defendants rather than aggregating those charges into a case, rendering the data virtually useless
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Originally submitted to NTTAC on 7/19/2012. Submitted to the dashboard on 3/5/2013. Due to the Government Shutdown, this TA has recieved a no-cost extension through December 2013.
Providers selected for consideration (previously 'Selected Providers' field):
Any proposal files shown below are under File Attachments
Selected Provider 1: Sixth Amendment Center
Bid: 9967.00
Proposal file: Tennessee Proposed Work Plan_Final May 14 2013.pdf
Chosen Provider: Sixth Amendment Center
a:28:{s:32:"field_what_event_has_occurred_th";s:329:"Issue has existed for years, but the study and report issued by the Tennessee Comptroller in May 2001 served as a catalyst for legislative mandates to collect caseload data. The Tennessee AOC has struggled for a number of years to gain funding from the legislature to gain compliance with the mandate but has been unsuccessful. ";s:32:"field_what_do_you_want_to_achiev";s:3:"N/A";s:32:"field_what_will_happen_if_this_n";s:175:"The problem will persist. Without proper collection of caseload data, staffing levels for Tennessee Public Defenders and District Attorney’s will continue to be inadequate.";s:32:"field_what_is_the_gap_between_wh";s:3:"N/A";s:32:"field_do_you_have_any_data_to_su";s:3:"No.";s:32:"field_have_there_been_previous_a";s:127:"A legislative mandate was implemented to address the issue but no funding or strategies for implementation have been developed.";s:32:"field_have_you_sought_tta_before";s:49:"No, we have not sought TTA before for this issue.";s:32:"field_who_will_assume_leadership";s:32:"David Haines – General Counsel";s:32:"field_how_did_you_learn_about_nt";s:470:"David Carroll of the Sixth Amendment Center, who previously participated in one of the first weighted caseload studies for Tennessee's Public Defender System in 1999 and has historical knowledge of the Tennessee’s caseload issues. Mr. Carroll and his staff have confronted the precise issue faced by Tennessee in other jurisdictions, and has been helpful in developing strategies for improving data quality based on the individual situations observed in other states.";s:32:"field_what_are_your_organization";s:93:"Strengths: a previous assessment was conducted to identify a number of needs to be address. ";s:32:"field_what_are_organization_s_we";s:79:"Weaknesses: challenge of obtaining data from 95 courts in a non-unified system.";s:32:"field_what_opportunities_does_th";s:3:"N/A";s:32:"field_what_are_the_challenges_th";s:5:"None.";s:32:"field_how_will_this_technical_as";s:355:"The by-products of accurate caseload data are many-fold: countless policy and budget decisions rely on this data. Adequate staffing of Public Defenders offices is a primary area of concern. Other examples include the fiscal impact of proposed legislation to, recidivism rates, adequacy of services, equitable distribution of indigent services funds, etc.";s:32:"field_what_is_your_overarching_g";s:208:"To identified strategies and costs associated with collecting uniform caseload data from 95 general sessions courts so that information can be presented to the Tennessee Legislature for funding consideration.";s:32:"field_please_list_at_least_two_o";s:199:"1) A survey of the ways caseload data is collected in the state of Tennessee.
2) Identify common strategies and make recommendations for collection of data and delivery of indigent defense services.";s:32:"field_as_a_result_of_this_tta_wh";s:136:"Success would be achieving a consensus about methods and costs required to collect caseload data from Tennessee general sessions courts.";s:32:"field_who_will_be_participating_";s:62:"1) David Haines
2) Libby Sykes
3) Wally Kirby
4) Jeff Henry";s:32:"field_what_do_participants_need_";s:3:"N/A";s:32:"field_what_activities_experience";s:126:"The Need for Standardized Caseload Data in Tennessee Courts
http://www.comptroller1.state.tn.us/Repository/RE/judcase2001.pdf";s:32… Public Defender’s Conference
Tennessee District Attorney’s General Conference
Tennessee Legislators
Tennessee Comptroller’s Office
Tennessee Finance and Administration Department";s:32:"field_who_are_key_stakeholders_i";s:3:"N/A";s:32:"field_who_are_key_stakeholders_p";s:3:"N/A";s:32:"field_who_are_key_stakeholders_o";s:3:"N/A";s:32:"field_how_open_are_the_key_stake";s:22:"Very willing and open.";s:32:"field_are_there_any_local_govern";s:198:"Tennessee Public Defender’s Conference
Tennessee District Attorney’s General Conference
Tennessee Legislators
Tennessee Comptroller’s Office
Tennessee Finance and Administration Department";s:32:"field_how_will_your_organization";s:3:"N/A";s:32:"field_what_other_resources_do_yo";s:35:"Meeting space, minor staff support.";}