Corrections_Today_May_June_2020_Vol.82_No.3

and practical, seek the incorporation of them in their policies and procedures.

convene wellness committees regarding all the dimensions of wellness, including emotional, en- vironmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social and spiritual; and THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the American Correctional Asso- ciation is committed to supporting and improving the overall wellness of correctional employees. Opposing Life Sentences without Possibility of Parole for Youthful Offenders Whereas , youthful offenders convicted of serious and/or violent crimes should be held accountable in a way that reflects human rights, values and moral beliefs; and Whereas , the victims and survivors of crimes committed by youths should be protected and provided with supportive services and the restorative justice necessary to promote recovery; and Whereas , it is understood that there are fun- damental differences between youths and adults, particularly with regard to cognitive and emotional maturity; and Whereas , the U.S. Supreme Court has established that children are constitutionally different from adults for purposes of sentencing, and; Whereas , youthful offenders have much greater potential for rehabilitation and should be provided every opportunity to heal and rehabili- tate; and Whereas , the United States Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional to impose an auto- matic or mandatory sentence of life without parole upon an individual for a crime committed under the age of 18; and now →

SUPPORTING CORRECTIONAL EMPLOYEE WELLNESS

WHEREAS , correctional employees’ wellness is a critical issue; and WHEREAS , the unique inherent risks to which correctional employees are exposed may result in health risks; and WHEREAS , much focus and research have been conducted on law enforcement, firefighters, and other areas of public safety regarding this criti- cal issue, but very few resources have been used on researching correctional employees’ wellness and very few resources have been used to provide tools to improve correctional employees’ wellness; and WHEREAS, the nature of the correctional envi- ronment may be a factor in behaviors, such as the use of alcohol, misuse of prescription medications, and illegal substances; and WHEREAS, traumatic events in a correctional environment may result in employees experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder; and WHEREAS, correctional environments are healthier where everyone is treated with dignity and respect; and now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Correctional Association urges cor- rectional agencies to raise awareness and educate employees regarding employee wellness in a corrections environment, including emphasis on employment-related stress; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Amer- ican Correctional Association encourages agencies to develop and implement wellness initiatives and

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