2026 ACA 156th Congress of Correction Pittsburgh_Program Book

Speaker: Christopher Carter , Division Director/Board of Governors Member, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville, Texas; Ruby Davis , Deputy Division Director, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville, Texas Interstate Compact Room 319 Primary Community of Focus: Community Corrections Overview: The Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision provides the legal framework that allows states to safely and responsibly supervise individuals who relocate across state lines. While grounded in statute and formal rules, the Compact’s true impact is reflected in how states work together to promote public safety, support accountability and respect the rights of victims. This presentation focuses on the purpose and practical value of the Compact rather than its technical complexities. Participants will explore why the Compact exists, how it connects individuals under supervision to communities where they may have the greatest opportunity for stability and success, and why consistent practices are essential when supervision responsibilities cross jurisdictional boundaries. foundation that guides eligibility decisions, and the process involved in coordinating supervision between sending and receiving states. The presentation will also emphasize the importance of the “treat as your own” principle, which ensures that individuals transferred under the Compact receive the same level of supervision and accountability as those sentenced locally. As the Compact continues to evolve, this session will also discuss how Risk-Need-Re sponsivity principles and evidence-based practices are shaping decision-making in interstate supervision. Particular attention will be given to the human side of Compact work— the role of communication, collaboration and professional judgment in supporting effective supervision outcomes. Using real-world examples and data, the session will highlight the reasons individuals request transfers, the legal

cognitive-behavioral skills and prepares inmates for long-term success. This presentation will provide an inside look at how the Virginia Department of Corrections designs, delivers and sustains this transformative model across. Participants will learn how cognitive-behavioral curricula, peer-led leadership, structured community norms and targeted reentry planning work together to create an accountability-driven culture. The session will highlight program components, staff roles, participant engagement strategies and implementation lessons learned. Preliminary outcomes and real-world examples will demonstrate how the Cognitive Community model promotes behavior change, enhances facility operations, and supports safer, more successful transitions back into the community. replicable frameworks and actionable insights for strengthening reentry efforts and fostering positive change within their institutions. Moderator: Emmanuel Fontenot , Compliance, Certification, and Accreditation Manager, Virginia Department of Corrections, Richmond, Virginia Speaker: Catina Macklin , Cognitive Program Manager, Virginia Department of Corrections, Richmond, Virginia; Brittany Williams , Senior Reentry Probation Officer, Virginia Department of Corrections, Richmond, Virginia The Evolution of Faith-Based Programs in Texas Prisons Room 316 Primary Community of Focus: Adult Corrections Overview: The Evolution of Faith-Based Programs within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison system. Faith-Based programs have made a positive impact on improving inmate behavior and reducing recidivism upon release from prison. The use of inmate peer facilitators and volunteers has allowed administrators to significantly increase faith-based programs throughout the State of Texas. Moderator: Chantel Lavigne , Manager II, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville, Texas This presentation is ideal for corrections professionals seeking practical strategies,

Thursday, July 30 ▼ 1–4:30 p.m.

WORKSHOPS

104 — ACA 156 th Congress of Correction | Pittsburgh