May 23, 2011 – The Board of the Utah Criminal Justice Center announced Monday that Rob Butters has been selected as the Center’s new director.

“Dr. Butters has demonstrated the research background, academic success, and professional experience necessary to effectively lead the Center,” said Jannah Mather, a member of the Board and dean of the University of Utah College of Social Work. “What really stands out about Dr. Butters, though, is his passion and enthusiasm for developing more effective and efficient criminal and juvenile justice systems and practices.”

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Butters has more than 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families involved in the court system. He is currently an assistant professor and chair of the forensic social work domain at the U’s College of Social Work, where he teaches research and advanced social work practice courses, and conducts his own research on juvenile delinquency and youth with behavior problems. He is also the president and clinical director of LifeMatters Counseling and Health Center, an outpatient mental health treatment facility in Salt Lake City. Butters graduated from the U with a Ph.D. in social work, as well as a master’s degree in social work and a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

“This is a great opportunity to pursue my passion for better understanding the origins of crime and improving the quality of interventions for both victims and offenders,” said Butters. “I am honored to provide leadership for UCJC and am eager to continue their work, rigorously evaluating programs and promoting research-based practices.”

Established in 2006, the Utah Criminal Justice Center is a collaborative partnership between the University of Utah and the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice that supports interdisciplinary research, teaching, and training in the areas of criminal and juvenile justice. The Center works toward reducing crime and victimization, inspiring sound public policy and fair treatment in the criminal and juvenile justice systems, and providing a model of higher education that promotes good governance through independent, non-partisan research and innovative programs.