Corrections_Today_May-June_2022_Vol.84_No.3

Correctional Perspectives p. 28

Corrections Today May/June 2022

p. 44 incarcerated individuals out of extended restrictive housing T O S R I N A N T I

I

N

G

News&Views AND more

Better the public good TM

We are solution makers. We take pride in solving the tough challenges facing government at all levels. We are reentry professionals. We help individuals gain the skills needed to successfully reenter the community. We are civic partners. Driven by a deep sense of service, we help government better the public good.

A national leader providing high-quality corrections and detention services.

Delivering a wide range of innovative, cost-saving real estate solutions.

An expanding network of residential and non residential alternatives to incarceration that address America’s recidivism crisis.

www.CoreCivic.com

EXCITING NEWS! ACA Certification Program Presents:

CERTIFIED CORRECTIONS EXECUTIVE Study Guide | 1 st Edition

CERTIFIED CORRECTIONS EXECUTIVE

Certified Corrections Executive • First Edition American Correctional Association C O M M I S S I O N O N C O R S E A L O

Study Guide First Edition

C

E

T

R

I

O

N

A

L

C

E

R

T I

F I C

A

T

T

N

E

I O

M

F

E

A

V

C

E

I

H

N

American Correctional Association 206 N. Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.aca.org

54500> ISBN 979-8-9850365-1-0 $45.00

American Correctional Association

9 798985 036510

• Convenient all-in-one study guide • Well organized for easy study • Excellent resource after certification

GO TO OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.ACA.ORG or Contact our Professional Development team: acaprodev@aca.org

1

American Correctional Association Corrections Today May/June 2022 Vol. 84, No. 3

Features 20

Straightforward emotional intelligence training in corrections By John A. Shuford

44 Transitioning incarcerated individuals out of extended restrictive housing By Vivian Aranda-Hughes, George B. Pesta and Daniel P. Mears

28

The invitation’s in the mail Is the correctional perspective missing from the public’s education on mass incarceration? By Courtney McCoy

34

Inmate seminaries How they have positively impacted corrections By Art Beeler

Cover art: istock/francescoch; Background image this page: istock/dlerick

2 — May/June 2022 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 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 Communications Specialist Mary Seidel 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

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.

Connect with us online

www.facebook.com/​ AmericanCorrectional​ Association

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. Send any 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. Printed in USA. Vol. 84, No. 3. Copyright 2022 by the American Correctional Association.

www.twitter.com/​ ACAinfo

Communications and Publications Director Kirk Raymond

Conventions, Advertising and Corporate Relations Director Kelli McAfee Financial Services and Human Resources Director William Lake Membership and Customer Service Director Roberta Gibson

www.instagram.com/ amercorrectionalassoc

International Initiatives Director Elizabeth Gondles, Ph.D. — Senior Director Office of Correctional Health Director Elizabeth Gondles, Ph.D. — Senior Director Mike Miskell, MPH, CHES ® — Director Standards and Accreditation Director David Haasenritter Professional Development Director Elizabeth Gondles, Ph.D. — Senior Director Denaye Prigmore — Director Information Technology Acting Director Jeffrey Washington

www.linkedin.com/​ company/american- correctional-association

www.youtube.com/user/​ AmericanCorrectional/​ featured

Corrections Today May/June 2022— 3

6 News&Views From Jim’s Desk 8 Correctional Chaplain Perspectives 12 NIJ Update 51 ACA Featured Departments 6

8

52 Welcome New Members 54 Certification List 56 Accreditation Byline 60 2023 Award Forms 68 Corrections Calendar 69 Job Bank 70 Index to Advertisers/ Product Index

12

National Correctional Officers and Employees Week: Last Chance to Send Us Your Photos!

Photo courtesy Ellis Williams, AV Specialist, Photographer

Click here to send your NCOEW photos by June 1, 2022 to publications@aca.org

4 — May/June 2022 Corrections Today

Correctional Behavioral Health Training and Certification Program

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE BECOME CERTIFIED!!!!

OVERVIEW: This program ensures a candidate’s

CBHC 3 RD EDITION STUDY GUIDE IS NOW AVAILABLE!!! knowledge of national expected practices and guidelines, legal and ethical principles and relevant security regulations.

“The CBHC training has reducedofficer assaults

fromthementally ill population andgivenofficers other avenues to reduce instances of physical response

todisruptive incidents.” —Telisa White, Chief of Detention, Mecklenburg County Sheriff ’s Office

n Adult Correctional Officers n Juvenile Justice Professionals n Allied Behavioral Health Staff n Community Corrections Officers

“The CBHCTraining programhas beenan important tool tohelpour correctional officers get the training and subsequent certification they need toproperly care

for this complex population.” —Mark Inch, MA, Secretary Florida Department of Corrections

For more information, email healthcare@aca.org

5

From Jim’s Desk nEWS&vIEWS

The price of freedom

F or the better part of one in the Middle East and other areas. Peace in the sense that there was not wide-scale fighting among different continents as there was during World War II. American service men and women have been called to duty in Kuwait, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, many of whom paid the ultimate sac rifice by giving their lives. We do not forget them. We honor their bravery. Yet today, March, 2022, our coun try faces an unbelievable dilemma that many of us never thought we would ever face again since the Cuban Missile Crisis in the early 1960’s. We stand on the sidelines as a ruthless dictator attempts to expand his empire and remake part of the old USSR. History often repeats itself, and Mr. Putin reminds us of the time Adolf Hitler expanded his country in the belief he, and his nation, was superior to all others on the planet. Nightly we view the suffering, the death, the destruction and the century, the world has been at peace, save for conflicts

helplessness of the brave men and women of Ukraine. There are those in our country who stupidly believe the war between Russia and Ukraine means little to nothing to us. Those people prob ably believed British Prime Minister Chamberlain had, indeed, achieved “peace in our time”, that is until London felt the burden of death and destruction from bombs raining down on them within months of Chamber lain’s ill-fated meeting with Hitler. Do we risk all out nuclear war with the Russians? Do we begin the process of total destruction of the planet by being more involved in support of the Ukraine? These questions are certainly above my pay-grade and thankfully I do not have to face what our President must be facing. But as Americans who cherish freedom, who celebrate democracy, and who, like it or not, are the light of liberty throughout the world, we need to do every thing we can to support our brothers and sisters of Ukraine, people who

are standing against unbelievable and terrible odds to preserve their democracy. As we witness everyday on the news, brave women and men in Ukraine are fighting a superior force, but are standing upright and strong for as long as they can. Everyday I pray for them. I hope you pray for them too. I openly celebrate “cancel culture” of those companies that have not left Russia. I hope you do too. Profits over freedom is wrong. If, ultimately, Ukraine falls to Putin, who or what will be next? For our children and grandchildren, America faces daunting challenges in our future. Someday, someway, freedom and democracy must prevail over oppression, concentration camps, dictatorships and unabated lust for power.

James A. Gondles Jr., CAE ACA Executive Director

Graphic: istock/Nataliia Prachova

6 — May/June 2022 Corrections Today

Performance-Based Expected Practices for Adult Correctional Institutions, Fifth Edition AVAILABLE NOW! Updated in March 2021 and now available in your choice of print or digital format!

Includes expected practices covering the critical program areas for effective institutional management, safety procedures, security, rules and discipline, staff development, physical plant and health care services.

Performance-Based Standards and Expected Practices for Adult Correctional Institutions

March 2021

Fifth Edition

AVAILABLE IN BOTH ELECTRONIC AND PRINT FORMATS!

Order online today at www.aca.org under the Marketplace tab

7

nEWS&vIEWS

Correctional Chaplain Perspectives

Judaism 101 By Rabbi Aryeh Blaut and Chaplain Matthew Perry A s Religious Coordinators or Chaplains, one sees that the best way for rehabilitation

Daily Practices Prayer On all days except Shabbas (the day of “rest” beginning Fridays before sundown through dark on Saturday nights) and most holidays, a male is to place Tefilin (usually translated as phylacteries) on his arm and head. These are leather boxes containing certain verses from the Torah. Attached to these boxes are leather straps. Using a Siddur (a Jewish book containing the prayers of each service) the morning prayer

service during the week usually takes the experienced Jew 30–60 minutes to recite. On Shabbas and holidays 90–120 minutes. While on the topic of prayer — a Jew is constantly praying and mak ing blessings throughout the day. Besides the morning blessings, there are blessings said before and after eating, after going to the bathroom, afternoon prayers and evening prayers. Torah Study Torah study is of high value in Judaism. Pause for some terminol ogy. A Torah is a handwritten scroll written by a scribe over the better part of a year. This is a very Holy scroll and very expensive. When the Torah is printed and bound into a book, it is referred to as a Chu mash. When the book contains not only the Torah, but the Prophets and Writings, it is called a Tanach. When a Jew refers to a “Bible” — this is to what he is referring. There is no “New Testament” in Judaism. There are numerous other books that a Jew may choose to study in the way of Oral Law & Tradition, Halacha (Jewish Code or Law), Jewish Ethics and more. These are all classified as Torah in the context of learning.

is through religious observance. A goal of this article is to share with the reader some of the basics of Judaism in order to assist him/her in providing for the needs of the Jews in their care. Judaism is very regulated. A Jew wakes up in the morning and there are laws as to what to do, beginning with thanking HaShem (G-d) for allowing him to wake up. The hands are then ritually washed three times.

istock/GDArts

8 — May/June 2022 Corrections Today

Correctional Chaplain Perspectives

Kosher Food

Passover Passover is always in the spring and among other things, celebrates HaShem taking the Jews out of Egypt in order to serve Him. Outside of Israel, it is eight days — the first and last two are full holidays and the days in between are semi-holidays. From the day before Passover until Passover ends, there is a restriction on eating foods that have levened, legumes are prohibited for many, special dish and kitchen ware are used only for this week. There are many more details to the observance of Passover but that is beyond the scope of this article. Shavu’os Shavu’os is seven weeks after Passover and outside of Israel is two days. This holiday celebrates the revelation at Mt. Sinai and HaShem giving the Jewish people the Torah. This holiday is so special, that there is a custom to stay up the entire night learning the Torah. Sukkos Sukkos is similar to Passover in length and is in the fall. The first two days are holiday days, the next five are semi-holiday and the next two days are a special holiday called Shmini Atzeres and Simchas Torah. While there aren’t the special food needs as Passover, Sukkos has two major command ments — 1. Eat and dwell in a special booth called a sukkah and 2. To hold and wave together four types of plant life: A special citron called an esrog, a palm branch, two willow branches and three myrtle branches; together they are referred to as the Lulav. →

called Rosh Chodesh. There are a couple of extra prayers said. The source for this holiday is Shmos (Exodus) 12. While still in Egypt, the Jews were commanded to sanctify the new month. The Jewish calendar follows a Lunar Month (each month containing ei ther 29 or 30 days) and a Solar Year (therefore there is an extra month added seven times in a 19-year cycle). This is the reason that the Jewish holidays do not fall out the same day on the secular calendar every year. Pesach (Passover), Shavu’os and Sukkos are the three pilgrimage holidays. When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, Jews from all over would go there to celebrate these holidays. Full holidays are similar to Shabbat in restriction but with some types of activity permitted on them (for example, under certain conditions, cooking may take place). If a holiday falls on Shabbat Shabbat rules apply.

Let us address one more daily requirement of a Jew, eating kosher. Kosher is not a Rabbi blessing the food. Rather, for food to be kosher, it must meet the basic requirements of Jewish Code which includes the raw ingredients, inspection for insects and worms, the equipment used to prepare the food, the super vision, etc. The Jewish Sabbath Every week, a few minutes before sundown begins the Jewish Sabbath (also known as Shabbas or Shabbat). It lasts for about 25 hours. Shab bas is ushered in by the lighting of candles prior to the start of Shabbas (time restrictions apply). If this is not possible, a competent Orthodox Rabbi should be consulted. Shabbas is a time for spiritual growth as well as physical pleasure. There are 39 categories (and multiple sub-catego ries) of activities that do not occur on Shabbas. Friday night, Shabbas late morn ing and Shabbas afternoon special foods are enjoyed. The first two meals begin with a blessing over wine (or grape juice) and then challa rolls or matza. The third meal only needs the challa or matza. After Shabbas is over and the evening prayers are said, there is a special ceremony that is said called Havdala that separates the holy day of Shab bas from the rest of the week. This is usually said over wine/grape juice, nice smelling spices and a candle with two or more wicks. Jewish Holidays Once a month (sometimes twice) celebrates the new month. This is

The two holiest days of the Jewish year are Rosh HaShana (15 days before Sukkos) and Yom Kippur (ten days after Rosh HaShana).

Corrections Today May/June 2022 — 9

nEWS&vIEWS

Rosh HaShana & Yom Kippur The two holiest days of the Jew ish year are Rosh HaShana (15 days before Sukkos) and Yom Kippur (ten days after Rosh HaShana). Rosh HaShana is the head of the year or “new year”. It is two days in length. Prayers are extended as this is the day that HaShem judges the world. A major mitzva to this holiday is that a ram’s horn is blown a minimum of 30 times — ideally 100 times each day (except on Shabbas). Yom Kippur is a 25 hour fast of food and water. It is the day that HaShem seals the verdict for the coming year, and as such has even more prayer time than usual. Yom Kippur is a 25 hour fast of food and water. It is the day that HaShem seals the verdict for the coming year, and as such has even more prayer time than usual. Other Fast Days While speaking of fast days — there are several other fasts. In the summer, there is a 25 hour fast called Tish’a B’Av (9 th of Av). A number of major tragedies occurred over history on this day. Three weeks prior to 9 th

istock/tovfla

of Av is 17 Tamuz — a sunup to dark fast takes place. There are a couple of other minor fast days throughout the year. Chanuka & Purim Finally, Chanuka in the winter and Purim a month before Pass over. Both holidays are considered weekdays, unlike the major holidays above. Chanuka is an eight day holiday in which a major part of the holiday is to light candles at a certain time each of the eight nights. It is a holiday that celebrates the Jews defeating the Syrian-Greeks who wanted us to convert. Purim is the

Book of Esther and celebrates being saved from physical elimination. Purim there are several mitzvos to do — reading from a special scroll called Megilas Ester — two times; giving food packages to friends; giving money to the poor and a festive meal. This is just a small introduction to Judaism. We hope this serves as an introduction to future discussions. We hope you will reach out to Jew ish Prisoner Services International and contact Rabbi Blaut or Matthew Perry to discuss any questions or just learn more to help you better serve your Jewish Community.

Rabbi Aryeh Blaut has served for over 40 years as a Jewish Educator and has worked in the field of Kosher Supervision for over 20 years. Currently, he works as Lead Kosher Supervisor for a kashrus agency and works with and as a Kosher Caterer. He received ordination (S’micha) from Yeshiva University of Los Angeles and from WebYeshiva. He has served on the Board of Jewish Prisoner Services International for 10+ years and is the Rabbinic Authority for the organization. He is available to chaplains and religious program coordinators at rabbi@jpsi.org. Chaplain Matthew Perry is the Executive director of Jewish Prisoner Services international (JPSI) — a nonprofit chaplaincy, advocacy, and social services organization, and as a Kosher supervisor for a number of kosher organizations. Matthew is a member of the ACA, ACCA, and AJA.

10 — May/June 2022 Corrections Today

ACA’s E-Learning Program • Tailored, flexible, discounted options for agencies • Job-specific, interactive courses • Easy-to-navigate learning platform

Learn. Grow. Excel.

“I absolutely would recommend ACA e-learning. Increasing skills, competencies, ability and confidence in staff is a priority.” — Jeffrey Carson, Detention Center Superintendent St. Louis Department of Public Safety

Contact Denaye Prigmore today to receive a customized proposal for your agency — Denaye Prigmore, Director, Professional Development at 703.224.0167 or dprigmore@aca.org

11

nEWS&vIEWS

NIJ Update

Addressing trauma in women’s prisons Yunsoo Park, Ph.D.

The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. T he population of women behind bars is surging, and with it the need and op portunity for services addressing the traumatic past experiences that in many instances contributed to women’s criminal convictions and incarceration. The number of incarcerated wom en increased by more than 750% from 1980 through 2017, with wom en of color being disproportionately

Mental Health Services Adminis tration identifies six key principles that are fundamental to a trauma-in formed approach for service systems and stakeholder groups: 4 1. Physical and psychological safety 2. Trustworthiness and transparency 3. Peer support 4. Collaboration and mutuality 5. Empowerment, voice and choice 6. Cultural, historical and gender issues. Given the sharp increase in the population of incarcerated women, as well as the range of trauma and victimization that incarcerated women experience both prior to and during incarceration, development of policies, practices and programs that address these women’s needs and experiences in trauma-informed ways is crucial. In 2017, the National Institute of Justice funded a study of in-prison programming to address incarcerated women’s needs related to prior- and current-trauma and victimization. 5 The study was carried out by schol ars at the Urban Institute and their

incarcerated at 1.3 (for Hispanic women) to 2 (for Black women) times the rate of white women in 2017. 1 Incarcerated women are more likely to experience a range of violence and other victimizations, as well as other traumatic experiences, prior to being incarcerated. All play a major role in their pathways to involvement with the criminal justice system. 2 Furthermore, incarcerated women are more likely to experience victimization while incarcerated. 3 Correctional facilities provide unique opportunities and context to support women in trauma-informed ways. The Substance Abuse and

istock/Tinnakorn Jorruang

12 — May/June 2022 Corrections Today

NIJ Update

partners, including the Correctional Leaders Association, the National Center on Victims of Crime and the Center for Effective Public Policy. Researchers conducted interviews with state departments of correc tions (DOC) leaders; interviewed facility-level and community-based stakeholders, including incarcerated women; and administered a national survey to state-level domestic vio lence and sexual assault coalitions to understand how women’s needs are addressed in prison, as well as poten tial strategies for improvement. State DOCs’ approaches to addressing victimization and trauma for incarcerated women Researchers conducted phone interviews with 108 leaders (for example, directors and chiefs of pro grams) from 41 state DOCs across the country to understand policies, programs and practices that address victimization and trauma experi enced by incarcerated women. Most state DOCs (59%) reported adapt ing their practices for incarcerated women, which generally required more time and resources. Many states (37%) reported that they use a gender-responsive, validated risk assessment tool that considers wom en’s trauma histories to measure their unique circumstances and mental health needs. Common assessment tools include the Women’s Risk and Needs Assessment (WRNA), the Ser vice Planning Instrument for Women (SPIN-W) and the Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions (COMPAS) for Women.

in-custody victimization, provided services included mental health treatment and connection with victim advocates at local victim services agencies. State DOCs also reported adapt ing custodial and operational practices (for example, body search es, restraints, disciplinary processes and housing) in trauma-informed ways to provide women with choices and enhance their sense of safety and trust. Specific examples included having a policy of not restraining pregnant women during specific stages of their pregnancy, providing an option to have a fully unclothed or half unclothed search, having an officer verbally walk women through searches step by step and conduct ing strip searches with correctional staff who are of the same gender as the individual being searched. 6 In addition, state DOC representatives indicated that staff are trained on de escalation techniques and methods to work and communicate effectively with women. Innovative approaches from standout DOC facilities From the DOC leadership interviews, researchers identified 16 women’s prisons as standout women’s facilities in terms of provi sion of innovative policies, practices and programs to address the unique needs of incarcerated women. For a deeper dive into those innovative approaches, researchers interviewed 31 respondents, including mostly wardens or facility administra tors and program directors, from 15 of those facilities. (One facility did not respond to invitations to participate.)

State DOCs reported providing evidence-based programs to ad dress trauma. Specifically, many DOCs (44%) offer more than one evidence-based program to address trauma. Commonly used programs are Moving On, by Marilyn Van Dieten; Seeking Safety, by Lisa Najavits; Forever Free, by David Conn; and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, by Marsha Linehan as well as three programs by Stephanie Covington: Beyond Trauma, Help ing Women Recover and Beyond Violence. In addition, state DOCs noted the existence of systems to respond to in-custody victimization. Most DOCs (63%) reported that a toll-free number or hotline, which is managed by a local victim service provider or an independent entity tasked with investigating incidents under the Prison Rape Elimina tion Act (PREA), was available for women to report in-custody victimization incidents. In cases of practices for incarcerated women, which generally required more time and resources. Most state DOCs (59%) reported adapting their

→

Corrections Today May/June 2022 — 13

nEWS&vIEWS

Subsequently, researchers identified five of the facilities for more extensive case studies to interview various facility-level and community-based stakeholders. Due to COVID-19, however, research ers were only able to conduct the studies in three facilities: in Iowa, Alabama and Oregon. The stud ies consisted of 40 interviews with 28 incarcerated women and 81 stakeholders (including included correctional leadership, security and custodial staff, training staff, program providers, peer navigators and community partners). Facility staff noted their desire and need to provide evidence-based, gender-responsive and trauma informed approaches in light of incarcerated women’s prior experi ences and unique circumstances and needs that may change over time. Many of the interviewed incarcer ated women shared, or alluded to, experiences regarding their history of victimization, trauma and vio lence that contributed to pathways to incarceration, particularly in the absence of community-based supports. 7 In some facilities, staff proactively assumed that all incar cerated women have experienced past trauma, which aligns with a range of procedures and practices, such as using specific types of language in communications (for example, using terms such as “resi dents” or “adults in custody” instead of “prisoners,” and using preferred gender pronouns) and using behav ioral interventions and de-escalation strategies before resorting to use of restraints, force, or restrictive housing. In addition, staff reported involving women

in various decision-making pro cesses; for example, in their case planning.

they were providing victim services to support women, including legal services and advocacy, counseling and therapy, medical assessments and follow-up services and acute crisis interventions. 9 In addition, the three case study facilities reported providing specialized training for staff, including gender-responsive and trauma-informed trainings, as well as trainings on crisis interven tion and de-escalation. Although there are a number of noteworthy efforts to address issues related to gender or trauma for incarcerated women, researchers noted only a few state DOCs appeared to incorporate those issues into established, standard policies, procedures and trainings. Relatedly, several incarcerated women reported that they appreci ate when facility staff treat them respectfully, but many women also noted staff misconduct with minimal or no accountability; for example, making women feel “totally uncomfortable” during searches and not following search safety standards. 7 They also noted inconsistent enforcement of rules. 7 Incarcerated women further re ported that procedures are not always followed consistently and that women frequently have nega tive experiences with staff, which may be retraumatizing for women. 7 Accordingly, the researchers con cluded that developing consistent and comprehensive policies and procedures that are trauma-informed and gender-responsive, with clear expectations and relevant neces sary trainings for staff, could help to reduce the impacts of trauma for incarcerated women.

In addition to evidence-based programs, facilities noted other types of activities offered to address trauma and victimization, such as trauma yoga, art and pet therapies and Zumba. In addition to evidence-based programs, facilities noted other types of activities offered to address trauma and victimization, such as trauma yoga, art and pet therapies and Zumba. Staff from all three case study facilities also mentioned a range of programming to support family relationships and parenting. Although programs such as those to support family relationships and parenting may not directly address trauma and victimization, they promote social connection and the resilience and well-being that is crucial for mitigating the negative impacts of trauma. 8 Facilities also reported that, by partnering with lo cal community-based organizations,

14 — May/June 2022 Corrections Today

NIJ Update

Partnerships between victim service providers and state DOCs

preventing victimization in facilities. Just over half of the coalitions (54%) reported that they receive funding to collaborate with state DOCs. The two primary funding sources are the Violence Against Women Act, with 57% of coalitions receiving funding and the Victims of Crime Act, with 33% of coalitions receiving funding. Despite the importance of collab orations between DOCs and victim service providers, coalitions noted some challenges in working with incarcerated women. In particular, coalitions reported that staff short ages were a major barrier to working with incarcerated women, as was in sufficient funding. Of the responding coalitions, 68% reported coalition staff shortages and 77% reported staff shortages for their member agencies. And 61% reported insuf ficient funding for coalitions, while 74% reported insufficient funding for their member agencies. Meanwhile, many coalitions (43%) indicated that understanding the unique needs of women, as well as positive rela tionships with state DOCs (38%), facilitated their work with incarcer ated women. Partnerships between correctional facilities and community-based providers allow incarcerated women to receive the range of services and support that they need to heal from past and current trauma and victim ization, the researchers found. As correctional staff often do not have the necessary training and expertise to address the range of incarcerated women’s needs, it is important that women receive help from profes sionals who specialize in those areas. For example, researchers found that local organizations provide a variety

of services for incarcerated women, such as educational programming, victim advocacy and medical ser vices. Educational programming may include sexual health education and classes for survivors of domes tic violence. Medical services may include birth support such as a doula program for pregnant individuals. 9 In particular, incarcerated women reported that they need better release- and reentry-services and planning to successfully reenter their communi ties and decrease the likelihood of being incarcerated again. 7 Reentry programs that offer a continuum of care and services, especially those related to post-release housing, trans portation and employment, during incarceration and after release, can greatly benefit from partnerships with local community organizations. 10 Indeed, state coalitions reported that 43% of member agencies continue services with women once they leave prison, which helps them to continue relationships with service providers and transition more easily back into the community. 11 Conclusion The study conducted by research ers from Urban Institute and their partners supports the conclusion that establishing and expanding partner ships between correctional facilities and local, community-based organi zations can help incarcerated women with healing, recovery and reentry by providing necessary comprehen sive and continued trauma-informed services and support. In addition, effective implementation of these approaches requires established, standard policies, procedures and trainings for corrections staff.

Researchers also administered an online national survey to 57 state level domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions. The survey aimed to understand collaborations between victim service providers and state DOCs. Almost all coalitions reported that they provide training (96%) and technical assistance (98%) to their local victim services agen cies, or member agencies. Nearly all coalitions broadly disseminate information about domestic violence and sexual assault to the public (98%) and advocate for public policy goals (96%). Most coalitions (78%) reported collaborating with their state DOC and most (73%) also reported that member agencies col laborate with correctional agencies throughout the state, often providing in-facility services. Most coalitions (76%) reported that their collabo ration with DOCs was critical for

istock/5PH

→

Corrections Today May/June 2022 — 15

nEWS&vIEWS

NIJ Update

4 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2014. SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4884. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 5 Buck Willison, Janeen, Janine Zweig, Storm Ervin, Evelyn McCoy, Jahnavi Jagannath and Melanie Langness. 2021. Evaluation of in-prison programming for incarcerated women: Addressing trauma and prior victimization, Final Report. https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/ 256003.pdf 6 McCoy, Evelyn F., Mel Langness, Jahnavi Jagannath, Janeen Buck Willison, Janine M. Zweig, Becki Ney and Wayne Choinski. 2020. Adapting custodial practices to reduce trauma for incarcerated women. https://www.urban.org/ research/publication/adapting-custodial-practices reduce-trauma-incarcerated-women 7 Jagannath, Jahnavi, Kierra B. Jones and Janeen Buck Willison. 2020. Stories from Incarcerated Women Show the Importance of Furthering Trauma-Informed Care while Prioritizing Decarceration. https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/ stories-incarcerated-women-show-importance- furthering-trauma-informed-care-while- prioritizing-decarceration 8 Sippel, Lauren M., Robert H. Pietrzak, Dennis S. Charney, Linda C. Mayes and Steven M. Southwick. 2015. How does social support enhance

resilience in the trauma-exposed individual? Ecology and Society, 20(4): 10. 9 Ervin, Storm, Jahnavi Jagannath, Janine M. Zweig, Janeen Buck Willison, Kierra B. Jones, Katy Maskolunas, Benjamin Cajarty and Chafica Agha. 2021. Addressing Trauma and Victimization in Women’s Prisons: Trauma-Informed Victim Services and Programs for Incarcerated Women. https://www.urban.org/research/publication/ addressing-trauma-and-victimization-womens prisons 10 Miller, Holly V. 2021. Formerly Incarcerated Women and Reentry: Trends, Challenges and Recommendations for Research and Policy. U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice: Washington, DC. https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/ nij/303933.pdf 11 Ervin, Storm, Jahnavi Jagannath, Janeen Buck Willison and Janine M. Zweig. 2020. How Commu nity-Based Organizations Serve Trauma Survivors in Women’s Prisons. https://www.urban.org/ urban-wire/how-community-based-organizations serve-trauma-survivors-womens-prisons

This article is based on the final report, “Evaluation of in-prison pro gramming for incarcerated women: Addressing trauma and prior vic timization,” (2021) by Janeen B. Willison, Janine Zweig, Storm Ervin, Evelyn McCoy, Jahnavi Jagannath and Melanie Langness: NIJ.gov, https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/ grants/256003.pdf. Endnotes 1 The Sentencing Project. 2019. Incarcerated Women and Girls. https://www.sentencingproject. org/publications/incarcerated-women-and-girls/ 2 Salisbury, Emily J. and Patricia Van Voorhis. 2009. Gendered Pathways: A Quantitative Investigation of Women Probationers’ Paths to Incarceration. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 36(6): 541–566. 3 Buehler, Emily D. 2021. Sexual victimization reported by adult correctional authorities, 2016-2018. U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics: Washington, D.C. https://bjs.ojp. gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh236/files/media/document/ svraca1618.pdf

Yunsoo Park, Ph.D., is a social science analyst in the Office of Research, Evaluation and Technology of the National Institute of Justice.

Membership $35 per year!

Enjoy 6 issues of Corrections Today for FREE as one of the many benefits of ACA membership!

— Bimonthly Corrections Today digital magazine — Digital ACAConnect and Corrections Daily e-newsletters — Nominate individuals to leadership positions — Voting privileges in ACA elections (excludes Associate Members) — Discounts on ACA publications, videos and e-learning courses — Discounts on training — ACA group savings programs and much more!

Visit aca.org under the Membership tab

16 — May/June 2022 Corrections Today

Elevate Your Career With the American Correctional Association’s

Certified Correctional Professional Program

For more information about the American Correctional Association’s Certification Program, please contact Professional Development at acaprodev@aca.org • Office of Correctional Health at healthcare@aca.org

17

Correctional Nurse Manager Training and Certification Program

The CCN/M First Edition Study Guide NOW AVAILABLE!

• The CCN/M certification cate gory includes individuals who work as nurse managers in a correctional environment. • They are management staff who may contribute to the development of policy and procedures, are responsible for their implementation and have authority over staff nurses.

C

E

T

R

I

O

R

N

O

A

C

L

N

C

E

O

R

N

T I

I S S I O

F I C

S

A

E

T

A

T

N

L

M

E

O

I O

M

F

E

A

V

M

C

E

I

H

N

O

C

For more information, please email healthcare@aca.org or call 703-224-0049

18

Correctional Nurse Manager Training and Certification Curriculum

Module 1 — Health Care in Corrections Section 1A – Appropriate and Necessary Health Care Section 1B – Access to Care Section 1C – Total Quality Management Section 1D – Prevention of Contagion Module 2 — Legal Issues in Corrections Section 2A – History of Correctional Law Section 2B – Inmate Rights v. Inmate Privileges Section 2C – Landmark Court Cases Section 2D – Inmate Grievances Section 2E – Confidentiality Module 3 — Behavioral Health Section 3A – Basics of Mental Illness Section 3B – Mental Health Assessments Section 3C – Crisis Intervention Section 3D – Suicide Prevention Section 3E – Trauma Informed Care Section 3F – The Multidisciplinary Service Team and Multidisciplinary Treatment Team Section 3G – Managing Disruptive Inmates Section 4A – Scope and Nature of Correctional Nursing Section 4B – Understanding the Standards of Correctional Nurse Practice Section 4C – Understanding the Standards of Professional Performance Section 4D – Ethics Section 4E – Accreditation Module 4 — Nursing Practice and Accreditation

Module 5 — Security Section 5A – Equipment/Supplies Accountability Section 5B – Inspections and Investigations Section 5C – Problem Inmates Section 5D – Emergencies Module 6 — General and Inmate Management Section 6A – Special Needs Inmates Section 6B – Policy and Procedures Section 6C – Communication Section 6D – Classification Section 6E – Health Education Programs Module 7 — Conflict Management Section 7A – Staff Conflict Management Section 7B – Inmate Conflict Management Section 7C – Mediation Section 7D – Staff Grievances Module 8 — Human Resource Management Section 8A – Staff Management Section 8B – Recruitment and Retention Section 8C – Staff Development

Eligibility Requirements: Certified Correctional Nurse Manager (CCN/M)

• RN license in good standing with corresponding state nursing board

• 2 years of correctional nurse management experience; supervises other medical personnel and administrative staff

• Associate, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Master of Science (M.S.) in Nursing or completion of an accredited nursing program

19

n Training

Straightforward

20 — May/June 2022 Corrections Today

emotional intelligence training in corrections By John A. Shuford

H ow important is emotional intelligence training? It is probably the most important training staff can get. Without it, corrections as we know it is unsustainable. We are losing staff quicker than we can train and staff wellbeing may be at an all-time low. Emotional intelligence skills are what is missing, and they are not that difficult to teach, if done the right way. Emotional intelligence is all about building trust, safety and respect among staff. It is done by giving staff the right tools to connect with each other in a way that meets their psychological needs. Simply put, if you don’t meet these needs of your staff, they will not meet the needs of the organization and worse, they will quit and tell others that your agency is not a good place to work. This will make recruitment even more challenging. Increasing pay and benefits is not the answer; lowering staff stress is.

experienced. Something is not being addressed. To under stand what that is, let’s look at what these issues have in common and then look at how they can be addressed. The literature and my 30 years training correctional officers in emotional intelligence have shown what the main reasons officers give for quitting: conflicts with other staff, poor supervision and feeling unsupported by administration. All three of these are greatly impacted by poor relationships. Burnout and chronic stress result in social problems, isolation and marital discord, are also the result of poor relationships and are significant factors for suicide. When staff feel disconnected, disrespected and unsupported, their psychological needs are not being met, and since so much of their identity is connected to their job, this has major consequences for them. Officers are trained as warriors, which is crucially important for their survival. However, for only about 20% to 25% of their jobs are these skills required. Focusing only on this aspect of their role is missing over 75% of their actual job. These command-and-control skills are not compatible with interpersonal connection with their co-workers, their partners and families, and the com munity in which they serve. IPC training [interpersonal communication] is based on command and control, not on connection and collaborating. The focus of of ficer training needs to be on safety, staff wellbeing and rehabilitation; all of which are improved by emotional intelligence skills. Without a focus on officer wellbeing, safety and rehabilitation are compromised. Emotional in telligence will improve staff wellbeing because it focuses on meeting the psychological needs of staff. [More on this later.] Further, a focus on rehabilitation will improve officer wellbeing and security, not to mention that over 95% of inmates being eventually released, rehabilitation is absolutely necessary if there is to be public safety. Emotional intelligence skills are what is missing in officer training. But, how can it be provided in a way that officers will not reject. First, what are the actual

Emotional intelligence is all about building trust, safety and respect among staff.

There is widespread understanding that both correc tions and law enforcement are two of the most stressful occupations in America. Many changes in recent years have been made in an attempt to lower stress, yet orga nizational stress remains at toxic levels with high rates of PTSD, heart attacks, high blood pressure, depression, divorce and suicides, resulting in staff turnover at unprec edented levels. Working short-staffed only adds to the stress. The heavy toll on officers’ health and wellbeing isn’t inevitable due to the nature of the job. Some stress is guaranteed, but not the toxic stress levels currently being

→

Image opposite page: Empathy artwork: istock/Kateryna Kovarzh; emotional intelligence graphic: istock/YuniNurhamida

Corrections Today May/June 2022— 21