Corrections_Today_July_August_2020_Vol.82_No.4

On the Road to a Better System p. 28

Corrections July/August 2020

Today

Recognizing Corrections Professionals in a time of unimaginable challenge p. 38

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American Correctional Association Corrections Today July/August 2020 Vol. 82, No. 4

Features 28

México en el camino hacia un mejor sistema (on the road to achieving a better system) By Floyd Nelson with assistance from Accreditation Specialist Eli Mendoza

38

National Correctional Officers and Employees Week

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Recognizing corrections professionals in a time of unimaginable challenge By Alexander Carrigan

‘Video Visitation’ is a great tool for social distancing By Juan Diasgranados

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Reducing the curve Corrections makes its mark in

reducing COVID-19 By Alexander Carrigan

National Law Museum offers corrections a ‘unique opportunity to connect’ By Robyn Small

Cover photo: istock/CatLane

2 — July/August 2020 Corrections Today

Chapters and affiliates

Alabama Council on Crime and Delinquency—Albany Criminal Justice Association—Alston Wilkes Society—American Catholic Correctional Ministries—American Correctional Health Services Association—American Institute of Architects—American Jail Association—American Probation and Parole Association—Appalachian State University Student Chapter— Arizona Probation, Parole and Corrections Association—Arizona State University ACA Student Chapter—Association for Correctional Research and Information Management—Association of Correctional Food Service Affiliates—Association of Paroling Authorities International—Association of State Correctional Administrators—Association of Programs for Female Offenders—Association of Women Executives in Corrections—Bellmont High School Student Chapter—Brown Mackie College ACA Student Chapter— California Probation, Parole and Correctional Association—Caribbean Correctional Association—Champlain Valley Educational Services— Clayton State University Justice Society—Colorado Criminal Justice Association—Columbia-Greene Community College—Criminal Justice Club Student Chapter—Concordia University Sociology of Law & Justice Club—Connecticut Criminal Justice Association—Correctional Accreditation Managers Association—Correctional Association of Massachusetts— Correctional Education Association—Correctional Healthcare Providers of the United States—Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators—District of Columbia Criminal Justice Association—Eastern Kentucky University Corrections and Juvenile Justice Student Association—Family and Corrections Network—Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency—Harrison College Criminal Justice Association Student Chapter—Hawaii Criminal Justice Association—Historical Association for Corrections—Illinois Correctional Association—Indiana Criminal Justice Association—Integrated Correctional Association of the Philippines (ICAP) Inc.—International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology—International Association of Correctional Training Personnel—International Correctional Arts Network—International Corrections and Prisons Association— International Community Corrections Association—Iowa Corrections Association—Jamaica Federation of Corrections—ITT-Technical Institute ACA Student Chapter—Ivy Tech Community College Terre Haute Branch ACA Student Chapter—Juvenile Justice Trainers Association—Kansas Correctional Association—Kentucky Council on Crime and Delinquency

Inc.—Louisiana Correctional Association—Martin University Student Chapter—Maryland Criminal Justice Association—Michigan Corrections Association—Middle Atlantic States Correctional Association—Minnesota Corrections Association—Missouri Corrections Association—Missouri Western University Student Chapter—Moraine Park Technical College Corrections Club—National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice— National Association of Correctional Record Administrators and Supervisors—National Association of Juvenile Correctional Agencies— National Association of Probation Executives—National Association of Adult and Juvenile State Corrections Mental Health Directors—National Correctional Industries Association Inc.—National Council on Crime and Delinquency—National Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators— National Juvenile Detention Association—National Major Gang Task Force— National Organization of Hispanics in Criminal Justice—National Partnership for Juvenile Services—Nebraska Correctional Association—Nevada Corrections Association—New Jersey Chapter Association—New Mexico Criminal Justice Association—New York Corrections and Youth Services Association—North American Association of Wardens and Superintendents— North Carolina Correctional Association—Northern Illinois University Academic Justice Association—Ohio Correctional and Court Services Association—Oklahoma Correctional Association—Oregon Criminal Justice Association—Parole and Probation Compact Administrators Association— Pennsylvania Association of Probation, Parole and Corrections—Pierce College Criminal Justice Club—Prison Fellowship—Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Association—Richmond Community College Student Chapter—St.Augustine’s College ACA Student Chapter— Salvation Army—South Carolina Correctional Association—Southern States Correctional Association—State University of New York–Albany—Tennessee Corrections Association—Texas Corrections Association—University of Central Missouri Student Chapter—University of Illinois/Chicago Criminal Justice Society—Utah Correctional Association—Virginia Correctional Association—Volunteers of America Inc.—Washburn University ACA Student Chapter—Washington Correctional Association—Western Illinois University Corrections Club—Western Correctional Association—Westwood College Angels—Wisconsin Correctional Association—WITC New Richmond Criminal Justice Club—Wyoming Correctional Association

OFFICERS President Gary C. Mohr, Ohio Immediate Past President Lannette C. Linthicum, M.D., FACP, Texas Vice President Tony M. Wilkes, Tennessee President-Elect Tony C. Parker, Tennessee Treasurer Denise M. Robinson, Ohio 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 Floyd Nelson

Associate Editor Alexander Carrigan 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 Executive Office Director Debbi Seeger senior executive Assistant India Vargas Administrative Assistant Vincent Ryan

Article and photo submissions: Managing Editor, 206 N. Washington St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314; email submissions@aca.org. Articles must be in Microsoft Word. Please include all contact information. Unless expressly requested in writing, all photos and artwork submitted become the property of ACA and may be used in future ACA publications. Articles and photos will not be returned unless expressly requested by author. Microfilm: Corrections Today is available for electronic reproduction through ProQuest Information and Learning Co., 300 N. Zeeb Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1346; 313-761-4700.

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Advertising inquiries: Production coordinator, 800-222-5646 ext. 0019. Written inquiries should be mailed to 206 N. Washington St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314.

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. 82, No. 4. Copyright 2020 by the American Correctional Association.

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Communications and Publications Director Floyd Nelson

Conventions, Advertising and Corporate Relations Director Kelli McAfee Financial Services and Human Resources Director Hok Gao, MBA, CPA, SHRM-SCP Membership and Customer Service Director Roberta Gibson International Initiatives Director Elizabeth Gondles, Ph.D. Office of Correctional Health Director Elizabeth Gondles, Ph.D. — Senior Director Mike Miskell, MPH, CHES ® — Director Standards and Accreditation Director David Haasenritter

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Professional Development Director Elizabeth Gondles, Ph.D. — Senior Director Doreen Efeti, MPH, MBA, MCHES ® — Director Acting Information Technology Director Hok Gao, MBA, CPA, SHRM-SCP

Corrections Today July/August 2020 — 3

News&Views

8

From Jim’s Desk

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Correctional Chaplain Perspectives

10

Juvenile Justice News

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NIJ Update

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49 ACA Featured Departments

Welcome New Members

50

Certification List

52

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Bookshelf

54

Celebrating Greatness — Awards Nomination Forms

60

Correctional Health Perspectives

68

Certification Spotlight

72

Corrections Calendar

74

Index to Advertisers/ Product Index

76

68

The American Correctional Association is fully engaged in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. ACA has taken the lead to provide its members around the world with vital information geared to protecting the health and safety of correctional professionals everywhere. From webinars, produced by ACA’s Office of Correction- al Health, to the latest information that focuses on managing the stress of uncertainty by taking care of you, ACA’s response has been intelligent, knowledgeable and thorough. In an unprecedented display of servant-leadership, ACA has brought together its sponsors, supporters and other correctional organizations to give valuable and much needed resources to those who need it at no charge. To stay abreast of this “emerging, rapidly evolving situation,”we encourage you to visit the ACA website regularly. There you will find online COVID-19 resources, important infor- mation, messages from our leadership and ACA’s “Wall of Honor”which lists chronologically our correctional heroes who gave their last full measure in fighting this insidious virus.

4 — July/August 2020 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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CINCINNATI 150 TH CONGRESS OF CORRECTION AUG. 6–10, 2020

CANCELED

Questions? Please contact Kelli McAfee, Director of Conventions, Advertising and Corporate Relations, at 800-222-5646, ext 0011 or via email at kellim@aca.org

AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION 206 N. Washington St., Suite 200 • Alexandria, VA 22314 • www.aca.org

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American Correctional Association 206 N. Washington Street, Suite 200 Alexandria, Virginia 22314 703-224-0000 • Fax: 703-224-0010 www.aca.org

June 8, 2020

First, I hope each of you and your families are remaining safe during this uncertain and unprecedented time in our lives. So many in our profession have been tragically touched by this pandemic. It is with sadness that I report to you the cancellation of our 150 th Anniversary Celebration Congress of Correction. As you know, ACA was planning to return to where it all began for our association; Cincinnati, Ohio in 1870. The staff at ACA worked diligently to ensure we could meet on schedule. But survey after survey of employees of state departments of corrections, local detention facilities, juvenile justice systems, community corrections systems and other correctional professionals illustrated that few persons could even travel to Cincinnati. Additionally, requirements of social distancing, limited number of persons together, hotel reductions and other directives made it impractical for a Congress of Correction to be held. As your current president and a native of Ohio, it is bittersweet for me to make this announcement. It is such an honor to serve as your president, yet so disappointing not to be with you on such a special and historical event for ACA. You might recall, as I ran for the Office of President-Elect, my family, staff and friends wore scarlet and gray shirts with the phrase “Mohr for our Members” on its front. I had so hoped that our 150 th Congress would be a celebration of the hardworking public servants that deserve recognition that is too often withheld. The Ohio Host Committee, along with ACA staff have worked very hard and creatively to ensure we would hold a Congress of Correction that attendees would have always remembered. Individual safety of all Americans and our international members is paramount in this decision. Simply put, we have no other choice but to cancel as you are our most precious asset and must, above all else, be protected. We cannot change the past, we can only influence the present and future, if we are allowed a future. ACA looks forward to our Winter Conference in Long Beach, California in February 2021. We pray for you and your family, friends and co-workers’ safety. As I often say, “Today is truly a great day to be alive, because each of us have the opportunity to make tomorrow better for so many.” Your 106 th President,

Gary C. Mohr

Corrections Today July/August 2020 — 7

From Jim’s Desk nEWS & vIEWS

A Missed Birthday

B y now, nearly everyone is has been canceled. When all was said and done, we made the decision to cancel on the side of personal safety of ACA attendees. I would hope you agree, with no vaccine currently available, and no readily available effective treatment for infected per- sons, to gather in close quarters with hundreds and hundreds of people is risky business at best. The ACA President and I concurrently reached that decision, to which the ACA Board of Governors unanimously concurred. Our next Winter Conference in Long Beach, California, is scheduled for the beginning weeks in February 2021. We hope and pray that by then there will be effective treatments and a vaccine. If all goes well, we will attempt to have a celebrational event in Long Beach. Since we were founded in Cincin- nati, Ohio, we will make an effort to return there in the future if we can work details and dates out. In aware that the 150 th Anniver- sary Congress of Correction

committed to return to Ohio’s Capi- tol city, Columbus, in a future year. At the time this piece was written (June 2020), we are still in the “first wave” of the COVID-19 virus, and many states are spiking in infections, and seeing record numbers of new cases. Please observe precautions that experts are urging you to do. Please continue to show patience and con- tinue to hold hope that better days are ahead. Lastly, please remember the cou- rageous women and men who have given their lives in service to this profession. Sadly, ACA’s Wall of Honor grows nearly every week. Remember them as the NATIONAL HEROES they are. Remember and pray for their families and fellow workers. May God bless them in a just reward.

downtown Cincinnati, not far from the convention center, there is an Ohio State historical marker telling about ACA’s founding. It is coin- cidental that our current president, Gary Mohr, is a native Ohioan, and I know he and many, many persons in Ohio were looking forward to hosting ACA. The Ohio chapter of ACA (Ohio Correctional and Court Services Association — OCCSA) has been, and still is, one of the larg- est and most active state associations in the nation. We will miss being in Cincinnati, but we have already

James A. Gondles Jr., CAE ACA Executive Director

Photo courtesy Pam Boeing-Rogers, Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 — July/August 2020 Corrections Today

American Correctional Association Special Webinars

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M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C E A M E R I C A N C O R R E C T I O N A L A S S O C I A T I O N C O A L I T I O N O F C O R R E C T I O N A L H E A L T H A U T H O R I T I E S

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Coronavirus COVID-19: CORRECTIONS

ACA is committed to gathering the most current information regarding Coronavirus COVID-19 and is presenting it for free on our website. These include our ACA webinars on the pandemic and curated information from the CDC and other health organizations. These resources are available so those involved in corrections know how to react and prepare for a pandemic.

Visit www.aca.org to see all of our webinars and resources regarding COVID-19.

Click on the “Coronavirus COVID-19: Corrections” spotlight link.

Continuing Education Credits are available for webinars.

For more information, contact Amanda Miesner at amandam@aca.org or 703-224-0078.

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nEWS & vIEWS

Correctional Chaplain Perspectives

Time to adopt your local prison? Challenging times call for innovative and creative solutions. By Hans Hallundbaek, D-Min

T he first 20 years of the new millennium has brought much progress in the American correctional system. We have seen increased programming, reentry training, reduced recidivism and ef- forts towards recognizing the dignity of incarcerated individuals. More progress is always welcome, and inspiration can be drawn from Eu- ropean systems, where governments have long realized that people in prison represent a valuable potential, which with careful rehabilitation can be transformed into contributing citizens. In this country, where vol- untarism has always been high, we are blessed that almost every one of our close to 2,000 state and federal prisons scattered across the country have dedicated volunteers bringing a variety of support programs to the incarcerated population. Recently a new innovative ap- proach is showing promise for a more broad-based community engagement with local prisons. It is a pilot program in New York state, daringly called Adopt-A-Prison (AAP). It is based on the idea that well-established concepts like

Photo courtesy Angela James Photography

An information and recruitment table for DOCCS at the Adopt-A-Prison Event held in Bedford, NY.

adopting a highway or a park can, with good results, also be extended to local prisons in our midst. The concept for this idea was initially introduced in July of 2017 at a work- shop presentation by the Interfaith Prison Partnership (IPP) at a national Presbyterian conference on Race, Reconciliation and Reform at Wash- ington University in St. Louis, MO. Based upon the encouraging response received, IPP brought the

idea to the governing board in their home town of Bedford in West- chester County, New York, a small community of about 18,000 people, of which about 1,000 are women in its two state prisons — Bedford Hills (maximum security) and Taconic (medium security) Correctional Facilities. The response was positive and led to a series of meetings with the prison superintendents as well as interested community members from

10 — July/August 2020 Corrections Today

Correctional Chaplain Perspectives

local faith groups and pris- on volunteer organizations. In September 2019, the outcome of these meet- ings was presented to the larger community at a town hall event attract- ing over 100 participants, including county and state elected officials, as well as 18 prison volunteer groups from college, faith and civic organizations to reentry groups, anti-violence advo- cates and Puppies Behind Bars trainers. All were afforded a chance to speak and introduce their organi- zations at display tables. The town hall meeting was a major success, and Bedford Town Supervisor Chris Burdick said, “I am delighted with the excellent

women while in prison and in a successful return to society of those leav- ing prison as law-abiding citizens. The interest of the com- munity in this project is well illustrated by the fact that when the call went out for PRAC committee members, more applicants showed up than could be accommo- dated. When the dust settled, 19 members were selected. Everyone was carefully chosen as local stake holders in prison-related issues like faith, academia, justice, legal, rehabilitation, human rights and reentry to name a few. No sooner had the PRAC team been established in March of 2020 before it had

Photo courtesy Angela James Photography

One of the 18 information tables for volunteer organizations at the Bedford Adopt-A-Prison event.

The goal of the advisory com- mittee is best described by excerpts from its mission statement: In a spirit of recognizing that these women are our neighbors, and acknowledging the inher- ent dignity of all human beings, as well as their potential for change, the Mission of this Committee would be to engage in constructive outreach to both the community and the prison complex, including both the prison administration and the incarcerated population in our local correctional facilities. The goal is for the community and the prison to come together, and work together, to assist in the quality of life, such as educa- tion and rehabilitation of the

partnership between the Depart- ment of Corrections and the Town. This event will provide an oppor- tunity for the community to learn more about our neighbors inside the prison walls.” This sentiment was echoed by Superintendent Tanya Mitchell-Voyd of Taconic Correctional Facility, who said, “A lot of troubles in the world would disappear if we were talking to each other instead of about each other. It is in this spirit that Taconic Correctional Facility is interested in engaging with the local community.” Encouraged by the town hall success, the Bedford Town Board unanimously called for the establish- ment of a Prison Relations Advisory Committee (PRAC) to further advance and implement the AAP con- cept, supposedly a first in this country.

to jump into emergency mode. New York had become the U.S. epicenter for the COVID-19 virus pandemic. The immediate question was how to slow down the spread of the virus to those individuals and staff locked up together in the tight quarters of a prison. One obvious answer was soap for frequent handwashing; real- izing the need for a softer alternative to the state issued soap in prison, which can be tough on human skin. The PRAC team proved up to the challenge. Within 10 days, they sourced and delivered 2,000 bars of soap to the two prisons, and hold an- other 2,000 bars in reserve. All bars of soap were donated from churches, temples, mosques and civic organi- zations, as well as individuals and business organization in the local Northern Westchester community.

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Corrections Today July/August 2020 — 11

nEWS & vIEWS

The AAP project was off to a fly- ing start, and other initiatives were quickly added, including donated face masks made by members of a local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and others. Projects already on the draw- ing board were accelerated, including the construction of a much needed sidewalk, expanding an already established vegetable garden in the Taconic prison, and by expanding an annual All Souls Day prayer services at the Taconic prison cemetery with the remains of close to 100 women and children, who died over the years during incarceration. This Bedford AAP model quickly attracted wider attention. Rev. Peter Cook, the Director of the New York State Council of Churches (NYSCC), which is the accreditation organiza- tion for the New York State Prison Chaplains, expressed an immediate interest in extending the AAP concept to some of the 52 New York state

subpopulations living in tight quar- ters, such as those in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, retirement communities and especially those in jails and prisons. This threat goes to the heart of the AAP concept, which challenges the notion of a local prison being a warehouse for what society views as flawed individuals from other com- munities and a liability to the host community. In contrast, by viewing the prison as a local asset, providing a unique potential for renewal and revival of individuals often victims of tragic upbringing and poverty, amazing mutual healing results are possible. The experience so far in the Bedford pilot project is most encouraging. As it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to adopt a prison. We believe the call for reducing mass incarceration cannot be achieved until the public finds a heart and compassion for those incarcerated. To the many communities with a prison in its midst, the AAP concept offers a unique opportunity to redis- cover the universal law of love: what I give to my brothers and sisters is my gift to myself. Theological Seminary and has served as adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City and spent 25 as a volunteer teacher and service chaplain in local prisons, including Sing Sing Correctional Facility. He is the UN NGO representative for the International Prison Chaplains Organization (IPCA) and CURE International. He can be reached at hanshall@optonline.net Hans Hallundbaek is the director of the Interfaith Prison Partnership. He earned his M-Div. and D-Min. at New York

prisons. “At its core,” Cook says, “the church is called to care for prison- ers, and yet, because of fear, we can steer away from offering support. The Adopt-A-Prison program offers a way for congregations to embrace their calling to humanize the incarcerated and offer good ministry.” Westchester County’s Interfaith Prison Partnership (IPP), which is the founding organization of the AAP concept, is scheduled to lead a work- shop on the project at this year’s ACA Congress of Corrections in Cincin- nati, fromAugust 6-10, 2020. IPP also serves as the United Nations Representative for the International Prison Chaplains As- sociation (IPCA) and for Citizen United for the Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE) and will bring this project to its annual UN event in February of 2021. As we have all learned, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed highly vulnerable and susceptible

Photo courtesy Angela James Photography Over 100 local residents joined in the September 2019 Bedford Town Hall Meeting, including elected officials.

12 — July/August 2020 Corrections Today

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nEWS & vIEWS

Juvenile Justice News

COVID-19 practice, policy and emergency protocols in state juvenile facilities By Stephanie Vetter, Mike Dempsey, and Wendi Davis

R eferred to as “the invisible enemy,” COVID-19 has trig- gered juvenile detention and correctional facilities to make rapid and significant changes to practice, policy and emergency protocols in a short period of time. Within the past few months, every aspect of facil- ity operations has been impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis. On February 29, 2020, Washington was the first state to declare a state of emergency and dozens of other states quickly followed. On March 11, 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). By April 2020, all 50 states reported cases of the illness; 48 states had declared states of emergency; severe travel restrictions (stay-at-home or- ders) had impacted most Americans; and all but essential personnel had been limited to working from home in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 1 Federal CDC guidance, state and county health requirements, and state Executive Orders significantly altered the daily routines of entire juvenile justice systems through

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temporary closures of state courts, new staffing protocols in facilities, and stay-at-home orders for parole, probation, academic and other com- munity staff. Protecting youth and staff from exposure to the virus has impacted every aspect of facility manage- ment. Facilities have taken steps to increase the frequency and meth- ods for promoting safe hygiene

among staff and residents as well as sanitizing the physical environment. In many facilities the traditional educational classroom settings have changed dramatically. Access to mental health, health services, and programming has shifted. Family visits are conducted via telephone and video conferencing in lieu of face-to-face visits. Yet, amid these challenges, new and innovative

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Juvenile Justice News

practices have emerged. Direct care staff and managers have devel- oped creative solutions to address staffing challenges, manage youth admissions and expedite releases, and navigate a new era dictated by social-distancing and emergency planning. Although each state ju- venile justice agency differs in its size and the types and numbers of facilities it operates, there are also common challenges and innovative practices shared by many. State agency directors and facility staff, report that the frequency, the pace, and the level of transparency in their communications has helped ease the anxiety

health, programming, and staffing. The article summarizes information gathered during regional and national COVID-19 listening sessions which were hosted by CJJA and includes responses from 37 states. 2 While the information provided is by no means exhaustive, it of- fers a variety of considerations and responses to the current pandemic. As one state juvenile justice direc- tor shared in an email to CJJA, “All answers are subject to modification on a weekly basis. [It is a] very fluid situation and by the time we imple- ment a strategy the landscape has already changed.” As the situation in facilities evolves and new informa- tion becomes available, CJJA will provide updates to its website. Emergency planning, pandemic management and communications Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, it was a common practice for state juvenile facilities to have a Conti- nuity of Operations Plan (COOP). These plans encouraged by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), describe how essential operations will continue under a broad range of circum- stances and what recovery functions will look like and how they will be implemented. Most facilities had already developed these emergency preparedness plans but until recently those plans did not include proto- cols to address a pandemic. Even in Orleans Parish, LA where there was already an active COOP, Natu- ral Disaster procedures, and recent experience in emergency response to Hurricane Katrina, the state plan did

not include strategies for effectively responding to a pandemic. During the recent CJJA listen- ing forums, most facilities reported that pandemic protocols were not part of facility emergency plans, but these newly developed protocols are now being put to the test. Pan- demic Emergency Response plans are a critical component for juvenile facilities. Additional information on pandemic planning can be found at CJJA Coronavirus-19 — Resources. State agency directors and facility staff, report that the frequency, the pace, and the level of transparency in their communications has helped ease the anxiety experienced by youth and staff. Communication and education about the virus are para- mount to an effective response. With this understanding, many agency directors and facility superintendents have organized daily briefings with executive leaders and direct care staff to stay current on emerging guidelines and to share recommen- dations from the CDC and state and local health departments. These daily briefings include executive level team members, a cross section of direct care staff at all levels and disciplines, and individuals across jurisdictions who are responsible for essential services. Agencies report that effective communication with confined youth about the virus is a priority and that most youth are responding well to a new, temporary normal. New York is a notable exam- ple where the juvenile justice agency is part of a statewide taskforce led by the Governor’s Office. New infor- mation gathered at daily briefings is incorporated into operations in the eight juvenile justice facilities across

experienced by youth and staff.

This article highlights key issues and practices as reported by state juvenile justice agency directors and facility superintendents, in the areas of emergency planning, facility ad- missions, release/reentry, visitation, academic services, health and mental

Corrections Today July/August 2020 — 15

nEWS & vIEWS

the state. In the initial phase of the response to the virus, the New York Division of Juvenile Justice and Op- portunity for Youth (DJJOY) called the parents/guardians of each youth in custody and sent letters to fami- lies to inform them of the conditions inside the facilities and changes to visitation policies. In Utah, to balance public safety and public health with the need to communicate to youth and their families, brochures and webinars were developed to help families understand changes to policies and to offer available resources. The Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) posts updates to its Facebook page as one avenue for communicating key mes- sages to families. Admissions and intakes Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak the numbers of youth admitted to most state juvenile justice facilities had decreased partly due to legisla- tion and new screening criteria that limited eligibility for secure confine- ment. This trend potentially aided juvenile facilities in responding to COVID-19 by philosophically and operationally preparing facilities to revise screening instruments and adopt more restrictive admission criteria which resulted in fewer admissions. During March 2020, jurisdictions reported that most fa- cilities either significantly restricted or halted admissions entirely. In addition, during listening forums jurisdictions reported a decline in the average daily population. If youth were still being admitted in early March, most facilities were implementing new screening criteria

administered through a series of questions about recent travel, current health conditions, potential exposure to the virus, and temperature screen- ings. By early April 2020, most state juvenile facilities had temporarily suspended admissions. Another factor contributing to recent declines in facility popula- tions is juvenile justice agencies and courts have discontinued the widespread practice of incarcerat- ing youth for technical violations of probation, parole, or other commu- nity supervision. Juvenile facilities still accepting new admissions report that all new intakes are subject to a 14-day quarantine. In Pennsylvania, two intake units (one for girls and one for boys) have been developed to accommodate these new safety measures. The Indiana Department of Correction (DOC) is still receiv- ing new intakes but as part of the intake process is now conducting COVID-19 screenings. New admis- sions practices from other states: –– In Alabama, the Department of Youth Services (AL DYS) suspended intakes into state custody for a period of three weeks. Currently, the courts are closed until mid-April and con- sequently, intakes may be halted for an extended period. –– Massachusetts, Mississippi, Florida, and North Dakota’s commitment numbers have de- creased significantly during the past 30 days and new policies restrict intakes to all facilities. –– After negotiating with local detention facilities, the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IL DJJ) has suspended new intakes to its state facilities. In

addition, to reduce admissions, DJJ revised the technical parole violation screening tool to halt issuing warrants for youth who do not have new charges and are not currently posing a risk to public safety. Although most state juvenile jus- tice agencies do not have jurisdiction over local detention centers, they have reported increased collaboration between state and local juvenile jus- tice officials regarding how to handle admissions in juvenile facilities. For example, Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) continues to accept admissions at state juvenile facilities but has enlisted the help of county juvenile detention centers to develop a consistent screening protocol to be used across the state. The protocol requires a two-part screening pro- cess that will ensure youth coming from or going to a DYS facility are screened at the originating and desti- nation facilities. Releases and reentry Not every state juvenile justice agency has the statutory authority to release youth. However, those state agencies that have releasing author- ity have reported immediate efforts to release lower risk youth who are non-violent and also those youth who are already on a release plan, unless the youth’s release would threaten public safety. Release plans ensure that youth are released to safe, appropriate, and healthy en- vironments where they can receive necessary supports and services. State agencies continue to follow release and reentry protocols that include provisions that allow youth

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Order to temporarily autho- rize releasing authority to the Colorado DYS (from the parole board) has also contributed to the large number of releases. IL DJJ has taken several measures to expedite releases, creating catego- ries of youth eligible for immediate release (e.g. girls in advanced stages of pregnancy) and shortening the time it takes for release reviews. To shorten administrative decision-mak- ing timeframes, all youth who have release reviews scheduled through June 2020 are being reviewed as a group instead of reviewing only a few cases each week. IL DJJ is also reviewing those cases in which youth are within 60 days of discharge from aftercare and are demonstrat- ing success. Additionally, the 30-day waiting period after a notice of eligibility for release is submitted was waived, shortening stays even more dramatically. To support suc- cessful reentry and with help from community providers, DJJ is sending youth home with non- perishable food, hygiene care packages, and gift certificates. In addition, DJJ provides free remote support from aftercare specialists and mentors who can be accessed from any mobile phone. The reentry support and super- vision for youth recently released from secure care from Utah DJJS now incorporates social distanc- ing expectations. The number of supervision visits has increased to ensure that youth are following their release plans, are receiving the nec- essary supports in the community to be successful and are remaining arrest-free. New protocols for the community-based supervision staff

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to be safely cared for in their homes and communities while ensuring public safety. State agencies without release au- thority must coordinate and receive approval from the courts. The urgent situation created by COVID-19 leaves state agencies like Alabama DYS and Maryland DJJ in the unex- pected role of working with courts in which dockets have been sus- pended or only emergency hearings are being held and conducted only by video. Maryland is one of three states, along with Texas and Pennsyl- vania, where lawyers have sought the mass release of juvenile offenders who have underlying health condi- tions or are determined not to pose a danger to society. To expedite release decisions, many state agencies are perform- ing case-level analyses to identify immediate releases, especially in jurisdictions facing critical staff shortages as a result of the COV- ID-19 pandemic. –– An internal analysis underway in Alabama DYS considers a

new threshold for assessment scores for risk to reoffend that would hold Felons and Serious Juvenile Offenders (SJOs) in custody and consider all other youth eligible for release. –– Massachusetts DYS is re- viewing all youth who are committed to treatment beds who are currently eligible for release within 30 days. –– Mississippi recently released 20 youth and are maintaining an average daily population (ADP) of 29 youth compared with the typical ADP of 60. –– In Utah, the court system is working to vacate warrants for youth. –– In Oklahoma, DCJJ is ensur- ing that all youth set for release have a solid discharge plan. In addition, the time needed to file a petition for release has been shortened. –– Colorado DYS is reviewing all youth in its custody and has 69 youth who have received ex- pedited releases. An Executive

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include in-person and video visits, questions to ask youth and families, and specific physical distancing requirements. Knowing that many youth who are released to the community will need extra support, the Utah DJJS provides each youth a cell phone when they leave the facility. Academic services Operating under new policies that are intended to prevent contagion, juvenile facilities are still required by law to educate their residents. It is known that many if not most youth in the juvenile justice system have chal- lenging academic histories and special education needs. State juvenile justice facilities have adopted two main Visitation Although state juvenile agency directors wrestled with the philo- sophical challenges of halting face-to-face family visitations for youth in custody, they acted quickly to do so in order to prevent the trans- mission of COVID-19. Directors reported that restricting visitation was taken seriously; by early April, all 50 states had temporarily sus- pended in-person visits to juvenile facilities with protocols developed to communicate these changes to par- ents and families. Virtual visitation and/or phone calls have replaced in- person visits. In many cases, the use of video and internet technologies have increased the opportunities for youth and families to stay in touch. Meetings with outside service providers and attorneys have also been moved to virtual meetings to

strategies for continuing the provi- sion of education to youth amidst the current health crisis. In states where schools have shuttered classrooms, learning has moved to online or to individual academic work packets prepared by teachers. In those states where teachers are employees of the facility, teachers are present in-person in the classrooms with smaller class sizes that rotate on separate schedules to keep social distancing and allow for classroom cleaning. Some facilities report conduct- ing school on living units to avoid unnecessary movement. To further support academic achievement, facil- ity staff tutor youth and help with homework. Highlights from around the country include: ensure continuity of care and support. During the listening forums facilities reported using technology ranging from face- time and phone calls to Google hangouts and video visits in order to keep youth connected to families and supportive adults. Massachusetts, Indiana, Illinois, Mississippi, Virginia, Montana, Ohio, New York and Kansas facilities (among others) have temporarily prohibited access by volunteers and visitors. However, these states have increased video visitations and allowed youth to call families more frequently and, in many cases, offering additional, no cost calls and video visits. In New Hampshire, 200 cell phones were issued to families through the state agency’s account

–– Mississippi, North Dakota, In- diana, and Minnesota continue to provide in-person education and other treatment programs in smaller group settings and modified school schedules. –– In Arizona, facilities employ district teachers as employees. These teachers continue to hold classes and provide special edu- cation services to youth. –– California is still holding in-person classes and has imple- mented social distancing and increased cleaning procedures in the classrooms. They remain committed to providing in-per- son learning if possible and as long as it remains safe to do so. –– Delaware is practicing six-feet

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allowing families to keep in touch with youth in custody. Court hear- ings are being conducted using Zoom. New Hampshire is currently working with select cell phone pro- viders to provide discounted rates, increase data availability to users, and provide additional hotspots. These efforts have helped foster healthy connections between youth and families.

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social distance and limiting the amount of youth and staff in the classroom to under 10. –– Illinois DJJ’s school is operat- ing with no more than four youth in a classroom at any given time. Residents and teachers are practicing social distancing and cleaning proce- dures every shift. –– In Louisiana, students are par- ticipating in distance learning. Teachers are telecommuting and preparing academic work packets for students. –– Maryland DJS and the Mary- responsibility to educate youth confined in DJS facilities, have worked together to implement a distance learning model. Youth attend two remote learning classes in the morning and three in the afternoon. The distance learning initiative is designed to promote continuity and educa- tional progress for youth in both detention and committed facili- ties. Youth will attend classes in small groups to adhere to social distancing guidelines. –– Montana has transitioned educational classes back to the housing units so that staff, youth and units are not mixing. Teachers are assigned to units to teach small groups and do not travel to other housing units. –– Ohio DYS has placed all schoolwork online and teach- ers are working remotely with students. For security reasons, select internet sites are blocked while youth receive educational services. land State Department of Education, which has the

isolation and confinement. These leaders are actively addressing these issues through a variety of measures that enable for the continuity of pro- gramming and operations while also promoting and preserving the health and wellness of both staff and youth. Larger facilities with dormitory- style settings are not ideal for ensuring social distancing of youth. However, facilities have managed to develop group living strategies that allow smaller numbers of youth to stay together as a unit during move- ments throughout the facility (i.e. for education and other programming). In Missouri, each of the 27 juve- nile facilities has required different responses and emergency plans. For example, normally youth would be organized into groups of 10 or more for the purpose of programming, recreation, and school activities. Now, larger facilities with denser popula- tions have divided youth into smaller groups of up to six youth. To support new small group living arrangements, Maryland brought in temporary bath- rooms to accommodate basic daily needs. All agencies who participated in the listening sessions reported their facilities have reduced or eliminated unnecessary movement within and between facilities. Maintaining the levels and di- versity of programming in facilities is difficult when specialized, non- essential program staff are restricted from entering facilities. Recreational programming adjustments include social distance, less numbers of youth on sports teams, and non-con- tact activities. In New Hampshire, the debate club and other program- ming activities which are provided by local colleges have migrated to an →

–– The Oregon Department of Education holds the contracts for educational services in Oregon Youth Correctional Facilities. All nine OYA schools announced closures through spring break and are now en- gaged in online learning for the remainder of the school year. –– The Rhode Island DCYF Alternative Learning Program is still holding classes for ap- proximately 32 youth (the total current census). The program must limit access to classrooms based on state gathering limits to include no more than a total of five individuals including the teacher. Youth rotate into academic sessions in two-hour intervals. For youth under spe- cific quarantine and/or for other miscellaneous circumstances, the program ensures that teaching staff provide students with appropriate work through non- electronic means to be completed on an individual basis. –– Alabama DYS schools have restricted teachers from having face-to-face contact with youth and instead offer individual learning packets to students. –– New York is requiring teach- ers to provide individualized assignments and folder work. Teachers are responsible for checking the work and refilling folders, as necessary. Social distancing without isolation Agency and facility leaders rec- ognize the importance of reducing and limiting all forms of unnecessary

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