2026 ACA 156th Congress of Correction Pittsburgh_Program Book

SUNDAY, AUG. 2

8 A.M.–9 A.M.

The Village Network, Akron, Ohio; Rita Rochford , Magistrate, Summit County Juvenile Court, Akron, Ohio Evaluating Medication Assisted Treatment in Corrections: Cost, Outcomes, and Implications Room: 321 Primary Community of Focus: Adult Corrections Overview: Correctional systems are expanding the use of medication assisted treatment (MAT) to address opioid use disorder, yet agencies must balance cost, effectiveness, and institutional safety. This workshop presents findings from a cost benefit analysis conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. The session highlights differences in outcomes across medication types, including impacts on recidivism, program costs, and diversion concerns. Participants will gain an understanding of how to evaluate treatment programs and apply findings to inform policy and practice decisions that improve institutional management and resource use. Learning Objectives: • Assess the comparative effectiveness of medication assisted treatment options on recidivism • Apply a cost benefit approach to evaluate the fiscal impact of treatment programs in correctional settings. • Use evaluation findings to inform organizational decisions that improve institutional management and resource use. Moderator: Michele Sheets , Chief of Research and Evaluation, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania Speakers: Kristofer Bret Buckle , Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; Michele Sheets , Chief of Research and Evaluation, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

An Integrated Community Response to Justice-Involved Youth with Behavioral Health Needs Room: 311 Primary Community of Focus: Juvenile Detention Overview: Behavioral Health Juvenile Justice (BHJJ), an Ohio program has contributed to a reduction in felony criminal cases in Summit County Juvenile Court, the fourth largest County in Ohio of nearly 60% since 2009. Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) provides research and evaluation support and they report only 7% of BHJJ participants statewide have ever been committed to Ohio Department of Youth Services (ODYS). BHJJ aims to provide evidence-based care and support reducing recidivism and improving outcomes for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. 15 counties in Ohio currently participate. Summit County is almost exclusively felony offenders. In 2025, 80% of our youth successfully completed the program. Learning Objectives: • Analyze the structure, implementation, and outcomes of the Behavioral Health Juvenile Justice (BHJJ) program, including evidence supporting its impact on recidivism and system involvement. • Examine riskneedresponsivity principles and their application in managing justiceinvolved youth with behavioral health needs. • Evaluate the role of assistancebased probation and integrated community supports in improving behavioral health outcomes and reducing recidivism among juvenile justice populations. Moderator: Robert Bickett , Court Administrator, Summit County Juvenile Court, Akron, Ohio Speakers: William Davis , Probation Supervisor, Summit County Juvenile Court, Akron, Ohio; Jodi Gates , Clinical Therapist,

WORKSHOPS Sunday, Aug. 2 ▼ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

158 — ACA 156 th Congress of Correction | Pittsburgh