2026 ACA 156th Congress of Correction Pittsburgh_Program Book

treatment-interfering behaviors that may complicate accurate suicide risk

assessment in corrections, including verbal and physical aggression, evaluation refusal, and illicit substance intoxication. • Discuss utility of preparing prior to the assessment, including chart reviews, consultation with security, and case review with medical staff. • Identify practical strategies to assist in rapport building, including verbal de-escalation, Motivational Interviewing (OARS), elements of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale Screener, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy micro-interventions. Moderator: Brandeshawn Harris , Chief Deputy Secretary, North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, Raleigh, North Carolina Speakers: Allison Foerschner , Psychologist 1, Colorado Department of Corrections, Canon City, Colorado; Rebecca Rock , Mental Health Director, Centurion Health, Bowling Green, Florida Justice Involved Veterans: A Joint Approach Room 319 Primary Community of Focus: Adult Corrections Overview: The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) and Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) partnership is a strong example of effective interagency collaboration to identify, engage and support incarcerated veterans. Through a formal MOU, the agencies established a coordinated referral and outreach process that connects veterans nearing release with benefits, services and reentry support. Key efforts include monthly referrals for veterans within six months of release, enhanced identification through VRSS and SQUARES, staff training, disability claim assistance, appeals support, joint site visits and on‑site information sessions. In addition, THURSDAY, JULY 30 8:30–9:15 A.M.

the Virginia Department of Corrections hosts stakeholder meetings which include local, state, and federal partners who jointly review progress, identify gaps in barriers, share updates regarding veteran‑specific needs. This collaborative framework has increased veteran identification, expanded access to resources and improved pre‑release engagement. Together, the agencies have created a practical, replicable model that strengthens continuity of care and enhances reentry outcomes for justice‑involved veterans. Moderator: Emmanuel Fontenot , Director of Compliance, Certification, and Accreditation, Virginia Department of Corrections, Richmond, Virginia Speakers: Stephani Carlton , Statewide Veteran Services Manager, Virginia Department of Corrections, Richmond, Virginia; Desiree Taylor , Housing & Criminal Justice Coordinator, Virginia Department of Veteran Services, Richmond, Virginia

Thursday, July 30 ▼ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

WORKSHOPS

THURSDAY, JULY 30

8:30–10 A.M.

Accreditation Innovation: Introducing the ACA Digital Audit Instrument and the AI Future of Compliance Room 315 Primary Community of Focus: ACA Reseller Agreement for PowerStandards as the ACA Digital Audit Instrument and A.I. Enhancements to the Platform

92 — ACA 156 th Congress of Correction | Pittsburgh