2023 ACA Philadelphia Program Book_153rd Congress of Correction

D-2J Protecting the Mind Behind the Badge: The Role of Psychological Safety in Correction Officer Retention and Wellness (CE) Track: Staff Wellness Room 204-C Correction officer personnel are the number one asset of any agency. Officers must be protected from the hazards of the job. Unfortunately, effective psychological safety is often relegated to the back burner, causing officers to struggle with mental and emotional health. The focus of this presentation is that employee mental health and wellness are key features of the overall success of any agency. Psychological safety is the most important factor in building strong cultures and high-performing teams. Correctional agencies that focus on this concept increase officer morale, safety and wellness, while enhancing employee retention. The first step toward building this psychological safety is the implementation of a safety plan. Learning Objectives: • Participants will understand the importance of psychological safety and the role it plays in officer retention. • Participants will be able to identify how psychological safety can be implemented alongside other staff retention and wellness practices.

• Participants will have the resources and knowledge to implement a psychological safety plan within their organizations. Moderator: Andre Bethea , Senior Policy Advisor for Corrections & Reentry, U.S. Department of Justice — Bureau of Justice Assistance, Washington, D.C. Speakers: Michael W. Farrier II , Retired Major, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa, Florida; Monroe Hudson , Commissioner, Delaware Department of Corrections, Dover, Delaware; Mary McCaffity , Deputy Director — Victim Services Division, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville, Texas; Victor L. Powell , Retired IIR, Albany, Georgia, Tallahassee, Florida

WORKSHOPS

Sunday, Aug. 13 ▼ 10–11:30 a.m.

ACA 153 rd Congress of Correction | Philadelphia — 153