2026 ACA 156th Congress of Correction Pittsburgh_Program Book

WORKSHOPS Friday, July 31 ▼ 2–4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 31

3:30–4:30 P.M.

Drawing from 500 Prisons Around the World: Practical Solutions for Burnout, Animosity, and Tension in Corrections. Introducing the “Deep Heart” Approach Room 310 Primary Community of Focus: Adult Corrections Overview: Working in corrections is no joke and not for everyone. Extreme overtime, constant tension and heavy work environments often lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, inner conflict and high staff turnover. This workshop presents a real-world approach with practical solutions to improve daily experience for wardens, officers, and staff. Drawing from firsthand work in over 500 correctional facilities worldwide, including some of the most challenging, high-risk, and maximum-security facilities, Deep Heart shares proven practices that reduce tension between staff and incarcerated individuals. This is for anyone who’s ever thought about quitting or didn’t want to come back tomorrow. Renew your hope. Find your purpose. Discover how much you are needed. Moderator: Abraham Woroniecki , CEO / Co-Founder, Deep Heart, Denver, Colorado Speaker: Ruth Woroniecki , Director of Programs, Deep Heart, Denver, Colorado

Fireside Chat on the Legal and Operational Issues Surrounding Restrictive Housing Room 318 Primary Community of Focus: Adult Corrections Overview: This fireside chat will be a multidisciplinary look at the legal and operational attributes of a successful restrictive housing unit that can withstand an 8th Amendment challenge. We will describe an environment in restrictive housing that is constitutionally adequate and recognize the operational components of a successful restrictive housing system. We will also share tips for successful litigation. Moderator: Kenneth Steely , State Government Counsel, Blackstone Trial Group, Birmingham, Alabama Speakers: Dan Johnson , General Counsel, Florida Department of Corrections, Tallahassee, Florida; John Palmer , Director of Institutions, Region II, Florida Department of Corrections, Lake Butler, Florida

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