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Corrections and AA p. 36

Today Corrections January/February 2022

Managing a Multi- GenerationalWork force p. 42

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American Correctional Association Corrections Today January/February 2022 Vol. 84, No. 1

Features 20

WELL Built Facility design to benefit the mental health of incarcerated individuals and staff By Jenny Hildebrand and Bob Schwartz, FAIA

42 Managing a Multi-

28

Generational Work Force By Samuel Jines, CJO, CBHC

Alcohol’s impact on corrections Systemic and individual costs, part one By Randy Shively, Ph.D., and John Hagan, M.D.

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Corrections and Alcoholics Anonymous A crucial connection By Nancy McCarthy

Cover illustration: Background: istock/DKosig; People (clockwise from top): istock/Sabrina Bracher; ajr_images; FG Trade; FG Trade

2 — January/February 2022 Corrections Today

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OFFICERS President Tony C. Parker, Tennessee Immediate Past President Gary C. Mohr, Ohio Vice President Tony M. Wilkes, Tennessee President-Elect Denise M. Robinson, Ohio Treasurer Harbans S. Deol, Ph.D., Nebraska Board of Governors Representatives Elizabeth F. “Beth” Arthur Derrick D. Schofield, Ph.D. Secretary James A. Gondles Jr., CAE, Virginia EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF James A. Gondles Jr., CAE Managing Editor Kirk Raymond GRAPHICS AND PRODUCTION STAFF Graphic Designer Carla DeCarlo ADVERTISING AND MARKETING STAFF Director, Conventions, Advertising and Corporate Relations Kelli McAfee Production Coordinator Mary Misisco ACA Executive Office and Directors Executive Director James A. Gondles Jr., CAE Deputy Executive Director Jeffrey Washington senior executive Assistant India Vargas

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Statements contained in Corrections Today are the personal views of the authors and do not constitute ACA policy unless so indicated. ACA does not assume responsibility for the content of Corrections Today as submitted by contributors, reserves the right to edit all articles and, if necessary, condense them. The publication of any advertisement by ACA is neither an endorsement of the advertiser nor of the products or services advertised. ACA is not responsible for any claims made in advertisements. Mission statement: The American Correctional Association provides a professional organization for all individuals and groups, both public and private, that share a common goal of improving the justice system. Corrections Today ( ISSN 0190-2563, USPS 019-640) is published six times a year in January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/ December by the American Correctional Association, 206 N. Washington St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-224-0000. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA 22314 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Corrections Today, Attn: Membership Department, 206 N. Washington St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. Subscriptions are included in annual membership dues. Nonmember subscription rates are $25 per year for Corrections Today ($36 value) or $6 per issue. Send change of address notice and a recent mailing label to Membership and Customer Service Department, ACA, 60 days before the actual change of address. ACA will not replace undelivered copies resulting from an address change. Printed in USA. Vol. 84, No. 1. Copyright 2022 by the American Correctional Association.

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Corrections Today January/February 2022— 3

6 News&Views

From Jim’s Desk

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7 In Memoriam 10 Correctional Chaplain Perspectives 14 NIJ Update 47 ACA Featured Departments

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48 Welcome New Members 50 Certification List 54 2021 Index of Articles 58 Corrections Calendar 59 Job Bank 60 Index to Advertisers/ Product Index

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4 — January/February 2022 Corrections Today

The Wall of Honor

A dedication to the corrections professionals who gave their last full measure.

When the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic struck, lives were upended every- where. Some lives were lost and, unfortunately, the loss of life continues to rise daily. Most of us know that it is the “first responders” to whom we owe an unpayable debt. And among those brave individuals, standing front and center, are the proud men and women of corrections. It is with heavy hearts that we join grief-stricken families and loved ones to express our heartfelt sympathies for those who have died be- cause of this insidious virus. Visit www.aca,org to view the most current list of names of the corrections professionals who gave their last full measure.

Visit www.aca.org and click on the “Wall of Honor” spotlight link.

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From Jim’s Desk nEWS&vIEWS

A very successful meeting in Phoenix

might mention the closing plenary session on behavioral interven- tion, or the opening plenary session on contemporary legal issues. Of course there were excellent training presentations beyond the plenaries as well. I’m certain another highlight was simply being out, renewing friend- ships, and seeing colleagues for the first time in months, if not years. The ACA staff was responsible in its health care management by wearing masks and wherever possible main- taining social distances. Of course we have received reports that some attendees came home with Covid, although it is difficult to trace that it was because of attendance at the conference. No matter where it was “caught” we wish everyone a rapid and complete recovery. No ACA staff became ill from the conference we are proud to say. The ACA staff is already gear- ing up for a return Congress of Correction in New Orleans, Loui- siana, a place ACA has called our

conference home many times. Make plans to be with us from August 4–7, 2022. As we move through the winter months, please be mindful of how easy it has become to be infected with the virus, the “regular” flu, and common colds. Whenever it’s pos- sible, maintain your distance from others and try to wear a mask. Trust me, no one dislikes wearing those things more than me, but I do it to protect myself and to protect others as best I can. As always, stay safe, help others, and pray this epidemic will end some day soon. Remember our families, our friends, our colleagues and those persons in our systems who have passed away because of this epidemic. God Bless them.

istock/Luxcor

W e have just completed our 2022 Winter Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. By virtually any measure it was success- ful. Not withstanding the fact that several states, many persons from Mexico and Columbia, and several individuals canceled because of travel restrictions due to Covid, we still had great attendance. Over 2300 persons attended the conference, along with good atten- dance from our partners in CLA and CJJA. Many would say the highlight was an autograph or picture or both of Terry Bradshaw, our General Session keynote speaker. But others

James A. Gondles Jr., CAE ACA Executive Director

6 — January/February 2022 Corrections Today

nEWS&vIEWS

In Memoriam

“Hutto gave employees the freedom to fail, which also allowed them to fly or excel.” — Helen Corrothers, former ACA President and U.S. Sentencing Commissioner

of America (CCA) now named CoreCivic. CCA was known as “the world’s first and largest for-profit prison operator.” Damon Hininger, current President and CEO of Co- reCivic knew and worked with T. Don Hutto for many years. Hininger said “Don’s career and leadership in advancing our profession is well known and I am grateful for his work, but I am also so thankful for the quiet moments I had with him over the years when he gave me invaluable advise and strong encour- agement when it was most needed.” Don Hutto was a corrections person through and through, he always put staff ahead of any issue. Hininger remembers “watching Don’s body

language when we toured a facility and he seeing correctional officers in uniform was a real treat for me. He would always light up when seeing them and he expressed genuine ap- preciation for their work.” Former ACA President and U.S. Sentencing Commissioner Helen Corrothers served with Hutto in Arkansas. Corrothers said Don Hutto was the person who convinced her to make a career in corrections. Commissioner Corrothers stated “whatever legacy I will leave relative to corrections because of a career with a focus on rehabilitation and public safety, I owe to TD Hutto.” Corrothers remarked that Hutto gave employees “the freedom to fail which also allowed them to fly or excel”. Past President Charles Kehoe, who also knew Don Hutto re- marked that “he was a trailblazer and a person who thought in the future. As Virginia corrections director he encouraged the Virginia Correctional Association to become the first dual chapter in the ACA.” Executive Director James Gon- dles also knew Don well. Gondles said “I first met T. Don, as many persons called him, when he was Virginia Director of Corrections and I was Arlington County Sheriff. We had many state prisoners backed up in the jail and many sheriffs were suing the state. T. Don asked me to

T. Don Hutto ACA Past President 1935–2021 T . Don Hutto served as the 88 th President of ACA. In 1982 he was elected President Elect of ACA and became a president at the 114 th Congress of Correction in San Antonio in 1984. Hutto was a native of Texas, born in 1935. He passed away in October, 2021. Married to Nancy Sue Moore, Don and she had three daughters and several grandchildren. Hutto began his career in cor- rections at the Ramsey prison farm, serving first as a teacher. Later he was promoted to assistant prison warden and warden. By 1971 he was hired by Arkansas Governor Dale Bumpers to lead the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Hutto is credited with beginning many reforms in that department and by 1976 he was recruited to come to Virginia, first to serve as deputy director and then as Director of the Department of Corrections. In 1984 as Hutto was assuming the presidency of ACA, he, along with Tom Beasley and Robert Crants founded Corrections Corporation

T. Don Hutto visits the White House to celebrate the signing of Proclamation 5187, the National Correctional Officers Week Declaration, with then- President Ronald Reagan.

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In Memoriam

“He included everyone in his decisions as ACA President. He was beyond fair, including some folks who were critical of private corrections at that time.” — James A. Gondles Jr., CAE, ACA Executive Director

this one would go nowhere. He was, of course, correct. He took Arling- ton’s prisoners and thanked me for not entering the lawsuit.” Later Gondles was on the Board of Gover- nors while Hutto was President. “He served during a contentious time in American corrections. He included everyone in his decisions as ACA President. He was beyond fair, in- cluding some folks who were critical of private corrections at that time.”

But make no mistake about it, you never had to figure out where T. Don stood, he was not reticent in offering his opinions, Gondles remembered. Don and Nancy Hutto were fixtures at ACAWinter Conferences and Congress of Correction confer- ences. ACA’s 88 th President brought many innovations and improvements to the association. He will be sorely missed in American corrections. May he Rest In Peace. u

come to Richmond to see him. He made it quite clear that he had been involved in many lawsuits and that T. Don Hutto addresses an ACA audience.

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nEWS&vIEWS

Correctional Chaplain Perspectives

The relevant chaplain and TOPUCU By Joe Pryor and Norm Mulder C haplains play a vital role in shaping and maintaining the culture of any correctional

In spite of the critical role of cor- rectional chaplains, when budgets tighten, it is often the chaplain posi- tion that is either eliminated or held open for salary savings. Would this be the case if chaplains across the country had established their rel- evancy in the facility? There is, to be sure, both Passive Relevancy and Active Relevancy at play here. Passive Relevancy occurs when the Chaplains show up for work, put in tireless hours, are present, compassionate and provide great programs. However,

Passive Relevancy is dependent upon facility leadership that sees and appreciates the value of chaplains and offers appropri- ate support in times of budgetary constraints. Active Relevancy , on the other hand, occurs when the chaplain thinks outside the box of ways to in- tegrate what they do into the overall fabric of the facility. This most of- ten occurs when the chaplain works closely with other programs and security staff, learns what they do day-in and day-out, and creatively seeks out ways to contribute outside the confines of the Chapel. Active Relevancy takes creativity, tenacity and consistency, but the result is the establishment of a chaplaincy pres- ence in the facility that is relevant to decision-makers at all levels of the agency. Generating genuine self- change in individuals One such program that sup- ports Active Relevancy and can be offered by the chaplains is called TOPUCU, which is an acronym for The Only Person U Cheat is U. Developed in 2014 by Norm Mul- der, a self-described high school misfit who through grit and deter - mination built a successful wealth

facility. They are available 24/7 for emergencies, whether it be among the incarcerated population or staff, provide quality programs that con- tribute to the spiritual well-being of those in their care and accommodate the constitutionally protected free exercise of religion. A frequent and challenging call for a correctional chaplain is to deliver a death notifi - cation to someone in their care and be available for grief counseling.

istock/FG Trade

10 — January/February 2022 Corrections Today

Correctional Chaplain Perspectives

management company, TOPUCU teaches the skills that Norm learned along the way to become success- ful. TOPUCU’s Mission Statement is: “To equip people with principles to identify and change habits, make better decisions, manage their time, and develop a clear mission and goals to ultimately transform their lives”. A 2019 study conducted by Robert Hanser and colleagues was published in the April 2020 edition of The Journal of Correctional Edu- cation which drew several interesting conclusions. 1 The overall goal of the study was to determine whether criminal thinking possessed by incarcerated individuals would be significantly reduced through psychoeducation using the TOPUCU curriculum. This study utilized the Criminal Thinking Scale (CTS) as a pre-test and post- test measure of criminal thinking among participants in the TOPUCU program. 2 Results between both mea- sures of the CTS showed significant reductions in criminal thinking. In its conclusion, the report states, “This study has found support for the idea that TOPUCU can be effective in reducing criminal thinking, instill- ing changes in thinking and changes in subsequent behavior; this is the intended purpose of the TOPUCU model. Findings from this study also point toward the strength of a blended or hybrid model of delivery, one that requires both a peer instruc- tor from the facility population and a professional staff person, to optimize the impact on criminal thinking across subscales”. This blended approach affords the chaplain the

opportunity to team with other department staff to offer TOPUCU, thereby contributing to the Active Relevancy strategy. Dr. Hanser and his team also con- cluded that: “The observed support for this model’s efficacy in changing thinking and behavior means that it is likely to be a very good addition to any treatment program, as an adjunct or even a stand-alone curriculum. Treatment administrators should con- sider the use of TOPUCU as a means of instilling a method of generating genuine self-change in individu- als who wish to do so”. Again, this is another great opportunity for the correctional chaplain to establish rel- evancy by being supportive of other departments in the facility. TOPUCU’s Mission Statement is: “To equip people with principles to identify and change habits, make better decisions, manage their time, and develop a clear mission and goals to ultimately transform their lives”.

Guided lessons for TOPUCU TOPUCU guides the participant through two distinct and easy to understand program sections, The Starter and The Finisher . The Starter portion of the curricu- lum guides the participant through seven lessons. Lesson one explores how habits are formed by discussing triggers, routines and rewards. Les- son two discusses the importance of understanding the difference between internal and external motivation. Lesson three introduces Pain As- sociation Transfer where the student is encouraged to assess the value of going through the “pain” of changing now, as opposed to the “pain” they will suffer later if they don’t change. Lesson four outlines the process by which people allow thoughts to become actions, even when those actions are not desirable outcomes. Lesson five implements the proven method of visualization to stay on track in accomplishing a goal. Les- son six teaches how to control and plan the 168 hours each week that everyone is given. Lesson seven is about making a commitment to never return to old ways that were not resulting in “right living”. The Finisher portion of the cur- riculum engages the student in a ten-part assessment of key areas of their life, resulting in a personal- ized, and well thought out mission statement, and guides the student in setting short-term, mid-term, long- term and what TOPUCU calls the “big hairy audacious goal” in impor- tant life focus areas. TOPUCU is available in both print and digital versions. The digital version is already on most of the

Corrections Today January/February 2022 — 11

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ENDNOTES 1 Hanser, R. D., Kuanliang, A., Horne, A., Hanser, G. M., & Horne, A. (2020). The Impact of a Motivational Curriculum Upon Criminal Thinking Among Incarcerated Men. Journal of Correctional Education (1974-) , 71 (1), 90–107. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/26915043 2 Institute of Behavioral Research. (2007). Criminal Thinking Scales. Fort Worth, TX: Texas Christian University (TCU). Retrieved from: http://ibr.tcu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/CTSForm-sg-REV- v11.pdf

tablet providers learning platforms used in correctional facilities. It is available in a standard and faith- based version. Being actively relevent The role of the correctional chaplain in every facility is critical to meeting the spiritual, emotional and mental health needs of both incar- cerated men and women and staff. When the presence of chaplains in a facility is reduced, or worse yet, eliminated, everyone suffers. Chap- lains seeking ways to be Actively Relevant in a facility is essential in today’s correctional world with strained budgets. Introducing TOPUCU, and other high-quality, life-changing programs, and doing so in collaboration with other staff in the facility, is one way to ensure the ongoing presence of chaplains.

Norm Mulder is an entrepreneur, civic leader, passionate student of leadership, and founder of TOPUCU. He is a Vietnam Veteran

Joe Pryor is an ordained Baptist Minister and is endorsed as a Chaplain by the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

His thirty-six years in ministry include

who served faithfully with the United States Army. Upon returning from his military service, Norm became a firefighter/paramedic. During this time he successfully launched and sold his first business, which led him into financial planning. Forty years later he is an owner of a Wealth Management Company with 91 offices, over 900 representatives and currently has over 1.8 billion dollars of assets under management.

pastoring three churches, and a twenty- one-year career as a Chaplain in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He also served as an Assistant Warden, Warden, and Senior Director for Reentry following his Bureau career. As the Founder of Joe Pryor Consulting Services, LLC, he advises correctional agencies and nonprofits on a variety of correctional concerns. Joe is married to Vickie and they have three children and six grandchildren.

For more information about TOPUCU, see their website at: www.topucu.com.

“TOPUCU helps me be motivated in life, so that you can accomplish what it is that you want to accomplish.” Bedford High School Junior “The response was fantastic and I can say nothing but good things about the program.” Case Manager at Marion “This program is like no other offered here in Ohio’s prison system. TOPUCU has taught me, in a very short time, how to look inside of myself in order to make permanent and very positive changes. TOPUCU is a pow- erful and needed program for all.” Robert H.

12 — January/February 2022 Corrections Today

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NIJ Update

Desistance from crime On the frontier of criminal justice research By Benjamin Adams, M.S., D. Michael Applegarth, M.S.W. and Marie Garcia, Ph.D.

A heightened emphasis on desistance research for the real world The study of desistance from crime gained prominence in aca- demic criminology in recent decades, advancing theoretical perspectives, measurement and the examination of factors that help explain how and why individuals change their behav- ior over time. The application and implementation of desistance princi- ples to criminal justice interventions and broader policy and practice has not followed at the same pace. Rigor- ous evaluations of such interventions are scarce, as are attempts to opera- tionalize and measure desistance at scale in real-world criminal justice contexts and settings. Recidivism remains the primary measure used in research and practice to gauge criminal justice effectiveness and as a marker of individual success or failure. However, there is grow- ing recognition among criminal and juvenile justice stakeholders that desistence research may offer impor- tant applications in efforts aimed to reduce crime and improve individual outcomes.

istock/olaser

For the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the scientific research, development and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice, a heightened focus on the promise of desistance research means ad- vancing innovative and rigorous desistance studies and elevating the national conversation by sharing current knowledge widely with the

field. Helping to guide that are six recently published, foundational NIJ white papers by leading scholars on desistance and related issues. 1 These NIJ papers form a new volume on desistance that will help illuminate promising research that can inform more positive, grounded approaches to facilitating individuals’ movement away from crime.

14 — January/February 2022 Corrections Today

NIJ Update

A number of substantive areas identified as gaps by the volume’s authors hold promise for guiding new studies that can constructively advance criminal justice policy and practice to promote desistance from crime for those at greatest risk of ongoing justice system involvement. Those areas of opportunity include, for example: –– Including and improving mea- surement of desistance in basic research and evaluations. –– Studying the application of biosocially informed research to interventions. –– Examining the impact of im- prisonment and conditions of confinement on the desistance process, particularly for individ- uals who chronically offend. –– Addressing real-world con- straints that may serve as barriers to the adoption of desis- tance concepts in practice. –– Considering the contributions and implications of theories and empirical findings about desistance from studies in other countries. –– Exploring what desistance-pro- moting approaches and a focus on positive outcomes might look like for different system decision points, agencies and stakeholders. For NIJ, a focus on desistance research is not new. It is, however, intensified in light of emergent scien - tific insight on how desistance works generally and in various criminal justice settings, and how knowledge of the desistance process at various stages of individuals’ lives can tan- gibly benefit criminal justice policy

tended to view desistance as an event — that is, the termination of offend- ing or the end of a criminal career. More recent definitions suggest desistance is instead a process by which criminality declines over time. NIJ’s volume and the discussion that follows align with this definition. In the first chapter of the now published desistance volume, Dr. Michael Rocque reviews how desis- tance has been conceptualized over time. Rocque advances the standard “process” definition by concluding desistance is the “process by which criminality, or the individual risk for anti-social conduct, declines over the life-course, generally after adolescence.” 4 Notably, Rocque establishes the process may be well underway despite the occurrence of criminal behavior. This framing is critical to informing how future research and evaluation efforts might determine which policies and practices influ - ence desistence or not, and to what extent. Bridging the gap between desistance research and practice Desistance-centered principles have significant potential to enhance criminal and juvenile justice prac- tices, improve outcomes for systems and communities and better support individuals in their journey toward the discontinuation of criminal behavior. To achieve this potential, the field must bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications. Dr. Bret Bucklen’s chapter considers a range factors that may facilitate or inhibit the use and

and practice in terms of real-world impact on those individuals. NIJ’s re- search portfolio includes investments in studies that have contributed, and continue to contribute, to advancing knowledge and understanding of the process of desistance from crime. 2 “Although the theoretical knowledge base provides [a] rich understanding of the key components of desistance, we need more rigor- ous evaluation on desistance-related approaches”… “We must continue to invest in data collection efforts to support our understanding of how desistance occurs and under what circumstances.” — Jennifer Scherer, Ph.D., Act- ing Director, National Institute of Justice 3 Defining and operationalizing the concept of desistance in criminal justice research NIJ’s new volume suggests desis- tance is most useful when considered as an individual process of mov- ing away from crime, rather than a singular event. For most individu- als, desistance is a natural process over their life course, with risk for antisocial conduct most pronounced during adolescence. But any number of influences or life experiences may advance or impede that movement away from criminality. Generally, desistance has been accepted to mean the reduction in criminal behavior that occurs after a person reaches adulthood. However, the concept of desistance as applied to policy and practice remains un- clear to many, as varying definitions and measurement strategies have evolved over time. Early scholarship

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implementation of desistance prin- ciples in real-world settings. As previously defined, desistance is a process that occurs over time. Using his work for the Pennsylva- nia Department of Corrections to introduce measures of desistance alongside standard recidivism report- ing, Bucklen suggests practitioners and researchers can partner together to better assess where an individual is in the desistance process and iden- tify what resources and support are vital in maintaining a positive trajec- tory. 5 This moves beyond indicating if an individual has “failed” in some way (i.e., recidivated) and examining factors associated with reoffending, and instead considers where a person might be in the process of desisting from criminal behavior. This application can occur at any stage of system involvement: the time of arrest, filing of charges, pretrial detention or release, case processing, disposition and sen- tencing, community supervision, incarceration or reentry. Providing the appropriate parties and decision- makers with information on what has been found to support desistance in general and information relevant to where an individual is in the desistance process, as well as recom- mendations for how to best support them in accelerating desistance, could have profound impacts on their lives and communities. Providing this information to an arresting officer, prosecutor, judge or community supervision officer could help avoid overly punitive approach- es, provide a strength-based lens for them to view individuals through and ideally lead to more informed and evidence-based decision making.

The volume contains the six chapters: –– But What Does It Mean? Defin - ing, Measuring and Analyzing Desistance from Crime in Criminal Justice, by Dr. Mi- chael Rocque –– Biosocial Factors and Their Influence on Desistance, by Dr. Danielle Boisvert –– The Impact of Incarceration on the Desistance Process Among Individuals Who Chronically Engage in Criminal Activity, by Dr. Christopher Wildeman –– Desistance-Focused Crimi- –– International Perspectives and Lessons Learned on Desistance, by Dr. Stephen Farrall –– Pathways to Desistance from Crime Among Juveniles and Adults: Applications to Crimi- nal Justice Policy and Practice, by Dr. Lila Kazemian. Applications of NIJ’s desis- tance volume for research, policy, and practice Taken together, the NIJ volume on desistance from crime reveals a number of potential directions for future research, with a goal of maxi- mizing impact on policy and practice that can improve individual lives and community safety. What follows are some key research, policy and prac- tice takeaways from each paper. Meaning of Desistance Dr. Michael Rocque offers an updated conceptual definition of desistance for use by practitioners, nal Justice Practice, by Dr. Kristofer “Bret” Bucklen

For example, community correc- tions practices might place a greater emphasis on providing incentives, acknowledging milestones and ef- forts to change, tailoring conditions to individual needs and reducing the use of incarceration for techni- cal violations. For this to occur at scale, researchers and practitioners must build partnerships designed to implement and evaluate desistance- informed approaches. NIJ’s desistance from crime volume NIJ’s recently released six-chapter volume, Desistance from Crime: Im- plications for Research, Policy, and Practice, aims to further the discus- sion, knowledge and application of desistance principles within criminal justice policy, practice and research. Two of the chapters, by Drs. Michael Rocque and Bret Bucklen, are noted above. The volume as a whole aims to assist researchers and practitioners to traverse the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applica- tions, give clarity on how desistance is conceptualized, measured and implemented, and provide actionable guidance on the use of desistance principles in current practices throughout the criminal and juvenile justice systems. The volume is a response to the increased focus within the field, and by the public at large, on improving criminal justice and positive behav- ioral outcomes, better meeting the needs of individuals with frequent system contact, and refining and reevaluating the standard procedures, methods and assumptions that ac- company criminal justice research and practice.

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policymakers and researchers. Throughout his chapter, Dr. Rocque provides practical suggestions on how to conceptualize, measure and evaluate desistance. Key takeaways include: 6 –– Desistance is a process and should be modeled as such in future research, with consider- ation given to the goals of the study, sources of available data, time frames and indicators of desistance related to criminality. –– Policymakers will benefit from the application of both qualita- tive and quantitative knowledge and should seek to support research with extended follow- up periods. –– Practitioners should recog-

existing and forthcoming poli- cies’ impact on the nutrition, visitation, noise exposure, toxin exposure and overcrowding of individuals who are incarcer- ated. Research is also needed on ways to support the application of biosocial knowledge to risk assessments, treatment plans and interventions. –– Collaboration between prac- titioners and researchers is needed in incorporating and evaluating assessments and interventions targeting biosocial factors. Effect of imprisonment Dr. Christopher Wildeman consid- ers how imprisonment affects the desistance process for individuals who chronically engage in crimi- nal activity, including disruptions that may be tied to length of stay and conditions of confinement. Dr. Wildeman provides suggestions for shifting policy and practice, and tar- geting future research investments. Key takeaways include: 8 –– Research investments are need- ed to enhance existing statistical collections and the use of avail- able administrative and survey data related to desistance, as well as to extend longitudinal studies of general and high-risk populations. –– Policymakers should focus on alternatives to custodial sanc- tions, moderating the length of sentences for many individuals and improving the conditions of confinement for all individuals in custody. –– There are broad implications for corrections practitioners and

with the presence or absence of criminal behavior. Biosocial research applications Dr. Danielle Boisvert provides an illuminating discussion on how the field of corrections lags behind in the application of knowledge from biosocial research to daily practices. Dr. Boisvert argues the incorporation of this knowledge in new initiatives and interventions has the potential to improve outcomes and better pro- mote the desistance process. Key takeaways include: 7 –– Interdisciplinary research is needed on the connections between brain development, neuropsychological functions, stress system response and desistance. More study is also needed on how adverse envi- ronments and risky lifestyles influence these relationships. –– Stakeholders should evaluate

nize that criminality (i.e., the propensity to commit crime) provides a more direct indica- tor of where someone is in the desistance process compared

istock/olaser

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the ability of the workforce to manage a system that shifts to emphasize noncustodial sanc- tions, shorter sentences and less punitive approaches to supervi- sion and confinement. Dr. Kristofer “Bret” Bucklen examines desistance concepts from a practitioner perspective, reviews evidence for desistence focused in- terventions and considers real-world challenges to the use and implemen- tation of desistance principles in practice. Key takeaways include: 9 –– More randomized controlled tri- als and cost-benefit analyses are needed to establish a stronger empirical evidence base for de- sistance-focused interventions. –– Policymakers face real-world constraints (time, budgets, mes- saging) that must be addressed in efforts to effectively translate desistance research into broader policy and practice. –– Justice agencies need practical approaches, for operationalizing and measuring desistance, that can be routinely used and re- ported and readily understood. Dr. Stephen Farrall shares an international perspective on the ap- plication of desistance principles and the need to alter assessment practices, incorporate a strength-based perspec- tive, address housing and employment needs and implement formal recogni- tion of individuals’ progress. Key takeaways include: 10 –– Researchers could assist shift- ing assessment practices by Practitioner perspectives International perspectives

developing items that measure both the negative and positive aspects of individuals’ current circumstances. –– Policymakers should seek ways to increase access to employ- ment and housing, support efforts to help individuals make amends for criminal activity and provide programs informed by desistance principles. –– When possible, practitioners should provide individualized treatment, recognize individu- als’ strengths and weaknesses, expect setbacks to occur, nur- ture individuals’ positive social relationships and support the use of informal and community- based interventions. Mechanisms underlying desistance Dr. Lila Kazemian provides an overview of the mechanisms under- lying the process of desistance from crime among juveniles and adults, with a focus on implications for different system decision points and agency types, and specific recom - mendations for moving toward desistance-promoting policy and practice. Key takeaways include: 11 –– Continued research is needed to better understand and distin- guish indicators of persistence in crime from temporary setbacks in individuals’ lives, to measure positive outcomes and to apply both to models for de- sistance-promoting approaches. –– Policies informed by desistance research should address issues that may influence individual progress and success, such as

the culpability of emerging adults, the length of prison sen- tences, the stigma of arrest and criminal records and blanket bans that affect access to hous- ing and employment. –– Agencies and practitioners that want to incorporate desistance research in their work should provide incentives for success, consider changes in individual and social outcomes in addition to behavioral outcomes, pur- posefully track progress toward desistance and recognize that setbacks are expected in the process. Conclusion NIJ’s recent volume on desistance from crime and its ongoing research investments present an opportunity for us all to think critically about how to apply this knowledge in ways that are most likely to accelerate the desistance process for individuals involved with the criminal and juve- nile justice systems. The volume also calls for an examination of factors that may disrupt or delay desistance, so that future policy and practice changes better promote desistance and increase community safety. As Dr. Lila Kazemian writes in the final chapter, “No single criminal justice agency can promote desistance on its own.” 12 For desistance initia- tives to be successful, establishing and sustaining partnerships across the justice system and with fami- lies, community organizations and researchers will be critical. NIJ looks forward to engaging with the field to advance recommendations provided in the volume for research, policy, and practice.

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Endnotes 1 National Institute of Justice, Desistance From Crime: Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice , Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, November 2021, NCJ 301497. https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/ nij/301497.pdf 2 Desistance From Crime Over the Life Course, FY2012 : https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ nij-2012-3168; Research into Desistance from Crime, FY 2019 : https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/ opportunities/nij-2019-15527. 3 Jennifer Scherer, Ph.D., “Introduction,” in Desistance from Crime , NIJ, at xii. 4 Michael Rocque, Ph.D., “But What Does It Mean? Defining, Measuring and Analyzing Desistance from Crime in Criminal Justice,” in Desistance from Crime , NIJ, at pg. 12. 5 Kristofer “Bret” Bucklen, Ph.D., “Desistance- Focused Criminal Justice Practice,” in Desistance from Crime , NIJ, at pg. 121. 6 Michael Rocque, at pgs. 1-39.

D. Michael Applegarth, M.S.W., is a research assistant with the National Institute of Justice. Benjamin Adams, M.S., is a senior advisor in the Office of the Director at the National Institute of Justice.

7 Danielle Boisvert, Ph.D., “Biosocial Factors and Their Influence on Desistance,” in Desistance from Crime , NIJ, at pgs. 41-79. 8 Christopher Wildeman, Ph.D., “The Impact of Incarceration on the Desistance Process Among Individuals Who Chronically Engage in Criminal Activity,” in Desistance from Crime , NIJ, at pgs. 81-110. 9 Kristofer “Bret” Bucklen, at pgs. 111-134. 10 Stephen Farrall, Ph.D., “International Perspectives and Lessons Learned on Desistance,” in Desistance from Crime , NIJ, at pgs. 135-162. 11 Lila Kazemian, Ph.D., “Pathways to Desistance from Crime Among Juveniles and Adults: Applications to Criminal Justice Policy and Practice,” in Desistance from Crime , NIJ, at pgs. 163-213. 12 Lila Kazemian, at pg. 190.

Marie Garcia, Ph.D., is a senior social science analyst in the Office of the Director at the National Institute of Justice.

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