by Kathleen Hale
contributions by Kathleen Hale, Kathleen Hale, Kathleen Hale, Kathleen Hale, Kathleen Hale, Kathleen Hale, Kathleen Hale, Kathleen Hale and Kathleen Hale
Georgetown University Press, 2011
Paper: 978-1-58901-700-9 | eISBN: 978-1-58901-748-1
Library of Congress Classification JK468.P64H35 2011
Dewey Decimal Classification 320.60973

ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY | REVIEWS | TOC
ABOUT THIS BOOK

How Information Matters examines the ways a network of state and local governments and nonprofit organizations can enhance the capacity for successful policy change by public administrators. Hale examines drug courts, programs that typify the highly networked, collaborative environment of public administrators today. These “special dockets” implement justice but also drug treatment, case management, drug testing, and incentive programs for non-violent offenders in lieu of jail time. In a study that spans more than two decades, Hale shows ways organizations within the network act to champion, challenge, and support policy innovations over time. Her description of interactions between courts, administrative agencies, and national organizations highlight the evolution of collaborative governance in the state and local arena, with vignettes that share specific experiences across six states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, and Tennessee) and ways that they acquired knowledge from the network to make decisions.

How Information Matters offers valuable insight into successful ways for collaboration and capacity building. It will be of special interest to public administrators or policymakers who wish to identify ways to improve their own programs’ performance.