School of Social Work

PhD, University of North Carolina, 2018; MSW, University of Arkansas, 2010; BA, Arkansas Tech University, 2008.

Criminal Justice; Early Adult Justice Involvement; Traumatic Experiences of Justice Involved Individuals; Mental Health and Criminal Justice.

Addressing the Needs of Justice-Involved Early Adults

Dr. Givens’ primary research revolves around salient issues facing justice-involved individuals. Dr. Givens focuses her work around traumatic histories, criminogenic risks and needs, and serious mental illnesses among early adults (18-29 year olds) involved in the criminal justice system. This age group constitutes a higher proportion of the justice-involved population than any other 10-year age group and presents unique challenges in regards to custody and supervision. Dr. Givens studies programming and interventions that provide opportunities to this population, as well as equip officers to be better prepared to assess the risks and needs of this age group. Recently, Dr. Givens has been working with probation and parole officers to build foundational knowledge around mental illnesses and their role for the individuals on community supervision.

Dr. Givens teaches courses in both the BSW and MSW programs. Courses taught include SW 4740, SW 8953, and SW 4770.