Grant Design Mismeasures Coercive Treatment

HHS’s AOT 'evaluations' largely examined new grantees and even sites where participation was voluntary, then labeled the evidence 'inconclusive.' By evaluating the wrong thing, federal studies created uncertainty that contradicts rigorous state results (e.g., Kendra’s Law). The null finding reflects study design, not program performance. — It shows how bureaucratic evaluation choices can predetermine policy by manufacturing 'no evidence' in contentious public‑safety and health domains.