Corrections_Today_November_December_2023_Vol.85_No.6

RETHINKING “GATE MONEY” p. 58

Corrections November-December 2023

Today

153 RD CONGRESS OF CORRECTION RECAP p. 20

NEWS&VIEWS AND MORE

From policy-based training to wellness resources for personnel, Lexipol provides the support you need. Access free resources for corrections here. YOUR GUIDE IN THE HIGH-RISK WORLD OF CORRECTIONS

Visit Lexipol’s booth at the American Correctional Association Winter Conference

Learn more at Lexipol.com POLICES | TRAINING | GRANTS | WELLNESS 844-312-9500 | info@lexipol.com |

How to get published in CORRECTIONS TODAY

BE AN OPINION LEADER

Do you have something important to say about corrections? Are you an expert in your field? Do you want to earn recertification credits? Get published in CORRECTIONS TODAY , and reach thousands of your peers!

CORRECTIONS TODAY Submission Guidelines

• All feature authors who are corrections practitioners must be ACA members. To join, visit www.aca.org. • Any articles written by an individual from a private company must have a corrections practitioner co-author or an academic co-author. • Feature articles should be written in journalist style using third person rather than first person (avoid using “I” or “we”). • Manuscript must be typed in 12 point Times New Roman font and single-spaced. • Ideally, articles should be 2,000-2,500 words. • Include your name, title, agency name, mailing address, email address, office or home telephone number, and fax number. Also include a resume or biographical information with your article.

• We must be notified in writing at the time of submission if you are submitting the article to any other publications. Corrections Today is a copyrighted magazine that has exclusive rights unless permission is granted for reprints. • If appropriate, submit charts, graphs or diagrams with the manuscript to illustrate the topic. These should be sent as separate files in the program in which they were created. • Any references discussed in the text must be cited at the end of the article as endnotes. Do not, however, use the endnote/footnote function in Microsoft Word. • Please include photos to accompany the article, if they are available, and include credit and caption information. Photos should be high resolution (at least 300 dpi) and sent as .jpg files in separate attachments.

For more information or to submit an article, contact the managing editor at submissions@aca.org or call 703-224-0193.

American Society of Business Publication Editors A|S|B|P|E Fostering B2B editorial excellence 2018 Regional DESIGN Award Winner

1

American Correctional Association Corrections Today November/December 2023 Vol. 85, No. 6

Features 48

Cognitive behavioral interventions for special populations By Dr. Bryan L. Kline

20 Philadelphia conference overview

54

A very “Philly Special” Congress of Correction

By Kirk Raymond

Offender manipulation in corrections What can Freud teach us? By Nick Gwozdziewycz, Psy.D. and Melissa Ring, Psy.D.

On the cover: Former E.R. Cass recipients at the 2023 ACA 153 rd Congress of Correction in Philadelphia, PA

58

Rethinking “Gate Money” By Keith Armstrong

Back row, left to right: Tony M. Wilkes, Daron Hall, Thomas J. Mangogna, S. Anne Walker, Gary Maynard, Damon T. Hininger, James A. Gondles, Jr., Charles J. Kehoe, Lannette C. Linthicum. M.D., FACP, Thomas J. Stickrath, Reginald A. Wilkinson, Ed.D., Dr. Dean Aufderheide and David Haasenritter. Seated, left to right: Mary L. Livers, Ph.D., Elizabeth F. Gondles, Ph.D., Helen G. Corrothers, Denise M. Robinson, Patricia L. Caruso, Anadora “Andie” Moss, Bobbie L. Huskey and Gwendolyn C. Chunn.

Cover: Conference photo: Lovestruck Images; E.R. Cass Medal: ACA; Holiday background: Adobe Stock/elinka_art

2 — November/December 2023 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

Denise M. Robinson, Ohio IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Tony C. Parker, Tennessee VICE PRESIDENT Tyrone Oliver, Georgia PRESIDENT-ELECT Ricky D. Dixon, Florida TREASURER Harbans S. Deol, Ph.D., Nebraska BOARD OF GOVERNORS REPRESENTATIVES Burl Cain, Mississippi Garry M. McFadden, North Carolina SECRETARY Robert L. Green, Maryland EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Robert L. Green MANAGING EDITOR Kirk Raymond GRAPHICS AND PRODUCTION STAFF GRAPHIC DESIGNER Carla DeCarlo COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST Sarah Castillo ADVERTISING AND MARKETING STAFF DIRECTOR, CONVENTIONS, ADVERTISING AND CORPORATE RELATIONS Kelli McAfee PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Mary Misisco

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. 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

ACA EXECUTIVE OFFICE AND DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Robert L. Green James A. Gondles Jr., CAE, Executive Director Emeritus DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jeffrey Washington CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Ben Nalette, CPA SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT India Vargas CONVENTIONS, ADVERTISING AND CORPORATE RELATIONS DIRECTOR Kelli McAfee MEMBERSHIP AND CUSTOMER SERVICE DIRECTOR Roberta Gibson INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES Elizabeth Gondles, Ph.D. — Chief Executive Officer Global Corrections Service OFFICE OF CORRECTIONAL HEALTH DIRECTORS Terri L. Catlett — Director Dr. Dean Aufderheide — Director of Mental Health STANDARDS AND ACCREDITATION DIRECTOR David Haasenritter PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR Dr. Valorie L. Sanders, LBBP INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACTING DIRECTOR Ben Nalette, CPA COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR Kirk Raymond

advertiser nor of the products or services advertised. ACA is not responsible for any claims made in advertisements.

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE

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. 85, No. 6. Copyright 2023 by the American Correctional Association.

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

www.facebook.com/​ AmericanCorrectional​ Association

www.twitter.com/​ ACAinfo

www.threads.net/ @amercorrectionalassoc

www.instagram.com/ amercorrectionalassoc

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

Corrections Today November/December 2023— 3

6

News&Views

6

From Rob’s Desk

7

In Memoriam 8 Correctional Chaplain Perspectives 14 NIJ Update

6

63 ACA Featured Departments

64

Welcome New Members

68

Certification List

69

Bookshelf

72

Ask the Doc

74

Accreditation Byline

8

80

Corrections Calendar

82

Index to Advertisers/ Product Index

Statement of Ownership U.S. Postal Service STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION (required by Section 3685, Title 39, United States Code), (1) Title of Publication: CORRECTIONS TODAY. (2) Publication No.: 019-640. (3) Date of Filing: October 3, 2023. (4) Frequency of Issue: 6 times per year. (5) No. of Issues Published Annually: 6. (6) Annual Subscription Price: $35 (7) and (8) Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication/Headquarters of Publisher: 206 N. Washington St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. (9) Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher and Editor. Publisher: James A. Gondles Jr. Editor: Kirk Raymond. American Correctional Association, 206 N. Washington St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. (10) Name and Complete Mailing Address of Owner: American Correctional Association, 206 N. Washington St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. (11) Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding One Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: Sandy Springs Bank 17801 Georgia Ave. Olney, MD 20832. (12) The Purpose, Function, and Nonprofit Status of This Organization and the Exempt Status for Federal Income Tax Purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months. (13) Publication name: CORRECTIONS TODAY. (14) Issue date for circulation data: September/October 2023. (15) Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average No. of Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months and Actual No. of Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: (a) Total Number of Copies (Net Press Run): 0. (b) Paid and/or Requested Circulation: (1) Paid and/or requested mail subscriptions: 0. (3) Other classes mailed through USPS: 0. (c) Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (sum of (15b1) and (15b3): 0. (d3) Free Distribution by Mail (Samples; Complimentary; and other Free): 0. (d4) Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means): 0. (e) Total Free Distribution (sum of (15d3) and (15d4)): 0 (f) Total Distribution (sum of (15c) and (15e)): 0. (g) Copies Not Distributed: 0. (h) Total (sum of (15f) and (15g)): 0. (i) Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c/15f x 100): 0 percent. (16) Electronic Copy Circulation Average No. of Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months and Actual No. of Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: (a) Paid Electronic Copies: 7,670. (b) Total Paid Print Copies Plus Paid Electronic Copies: 0. (c) Total Print Distribution Plus Paid Electronic Copies: 0. Percent Paid (Both Print and Electronic Copies: 100. (17) This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the November/December 2023 issue of this publication. (18) I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete: Kirk Raymond, Director, Communications and Publications.

4 — November/December 2023 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 reduced officer assaults

from the mentally ill population and given officers other avenues to reduce instances of physical response

to disruptive 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 CBHC Training program has been an important tool to help our correctional officers get the training and subsequent certification they need to properly care “The CBHC Training program has been an important tool to help our correctional officers for this complex population.” — Mark Inch, MA, Secretary Florida Department of Corrections — Mark Inch, MA, Former Secretary

For more information, email healthcare@aca.org

5

From Rob’s Desk NEWS&VIEWS

The “Story of Us”

A s we quickly approach the upcoming Winter Confer ence at National Harbor, I want to take a moment to reflect on the enduring “story of us” as a professional organization. Your ACA staff team and association leadership has been diligently working to produce a conference that will provide all attendees with the latest information, emerging practices, and networking opportu nities to support your professional growth and success. I know you will be pleased with all this conference has to offer. Over 100 workshops have been selected for presentation covering the full scope of profes sional disciplines within our field. Our symposium on “Education in Corrections” is shaping up to be an information filled daylong event. Over 40 state directors representing education services in corrections are already scheduled to attend. The Saturday evening event for all attendees at the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum is not to be missed.

Since our Philadelphia Confer ence, I have had the opportunity to visit with many of our members around the country at both the state and local level. It has been wonder ful connecting with members from all corners of the corrections in dustry and listening to your stories and accomplishments, the story of professional corrections! ACA is committed to fostering a community where professionals in the correc tional field can come together to

learn, share experiences, and support one another in our shared mission to advance the field of corrections. We look forward to seeing you at the Winter Conference in National Harbor. Sincerely,

Robert L. Green ACA Executive Director

6 — November/December 2023 Corrections Today

IN MEMORIAM

J. Michael “Mike” Quinlan Nov. 2, 1941 — Nov. 4, 2023

T he American Correction al Association mourns the passing of J. Michael “Mike” Quinlan. Mike had an accomplished professional life. He began his career in the U.S. Air Force in 1966, serving as a JAG Corps officer in the Office of Special Investigations and continued to serve as a reserv ist until he retired from the Air

Deputy Director in March 1986 and was appointed Direc tor of the Federal Bureau of Prisons in July 1987, and served in that capacity until December 1992 when he retired from the Bureau. Beginning a second career, Mike joined CoreCivic in 1995 as head of the Strategic Planning division. In 1999, he was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer and served in that leadership role through 2002. He spent the remainder of his career at CoreCivic consulting in various capacities including the quality assurance team and partnership development teams. Mike earned numerous awards and recognitions during his decades long career. In 1988, Mike received the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award; in 1991, he received the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award and the Attorney General’s Exceptional Leadership Award; in 1992, he received the National Public Service Award of the National Academy of Public Administration and the American Society of Public Administration, and the Presi dent’s Excellence Award from the League of United Latin American Citizens; and in 2003, he received his profes sion’s highest honor when he was selected for the E.R. Cass award by the American Correctional Association. Please click here for a link to Michael’s obituary ♦

Force in 2002 as a Lieutenant Colonel. In 1971, he began his more than 20-year career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons as an Attorney in the department’s central office. He served as Executive Assistant to the Warden, U.S. Penitentiary, Leavenworth, Kansas, and Regional Coun sel for the Northeast Regional Office. Mike was named Executive Assistant to the Director in 1975, a position he held until 1978, when he was named Superintendent of the Federal Prison Camp, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. He became Warden at the Federal Correctional Institu tion, Otisville, New York, in 1980, and transferred to the department’s central office as Deputy Assistant Director, Medical and Services Division, in 1985. He was named ATTENTION! First-Time Corrections Partners: 20% OFF YOUR DIGITAL AD! Your universe will be worldwide by advertising in Corrections Today. Take 20% off your first Corrections Today ad.

Place an ad in the March/April 2024 issue of Corrections Today!

AD CONTRACTS due Jan. 5, 2024 AD MATERIALS due Feb. 5, 2024

Contact Da’Shawn Burnette for your ad space at 703-224-0030 or dashawnb@aca.org

Corrections Today November/December 2023 — 7

NEWS&VIEWS

CORRECTIONAL CHAPLAIN PERSPECTIVES

The challenge to change By Katherine Vockins, DHL A s inherent in its very name, the correctional system is challenged with the task of

up under the overwhelming social conditions of poverty, poor educa tion, neglect, trauma, and racism that places many on a criminal path lead ing to incarceration. In a correctional setting, the highest priorities are discipline, order, and security. Prisons are not equipped to help a population with these overwhelming challenges even if they had the training, culture, and resources to make it happen. Until these policies are in place in correc tional settings, let me tell you about a model prison reentry program that is available now, that not only changes lives — it transforms them.

The Reimagining Myself ® Transitional Reentry Program was developed by Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) ® , a non profit organization founded at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in 1996. It now teaches a wide variety of art programs, serving more than 250 incarcerated men and women in 7 prisons in the New York State system. It models an approach to criminal justice based on human dig nity rather than punishment and uses the arts as vehicles to develop critical life skills. This program works because 1.) hundreds of RTA participants

affecting change in people placed in their care — a change from antiso cial and criminal behavior to one of adapting to the social and moral rules and norms of our society. They must also ensure the safety of the correctional staff that supervise them and then release the formerly incarcerated ready to return to society as law-bidding, tax-paying solid citizens. This is a tall order for institutions where recidivism is the telltale indicator of success and over 60% of released prisoners return to prison within 3 years. Humans have re

flected on the challenge to change from Heracli tus’s quote in 500BC, “Nothing is constant except change,” to John F. Kennedy’s “Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future”. From experi ence, we know human behavior is difficult to change. Consider how much harder it is for the many who grew

Cartoon courtesy Charles Moore

Reimagining Myself Program — Formerly Incarcerated Artwork and Quote Used in Student Workbook.

8 — November/December 2023 Corrections Today

Correctional Chaplain Perspectives

released from prison recidivate at less than 3%, and 2.) RTA alumni have an outstanding record of suc cess in the community, working in law, social service, as advocates, activists, entrepreneurs, academics and much more. Family relation ships strengthen and RTA alumni are active in their communities, whether getting out the vote, keeping children away from gangs or reading poetry in local events. Through artistic expression and an intensive community model, the RTA program builds critical life skills such as communication, col laboration, problem-solving, goal setting, confidence, and discipline. Reimaging Myself, a reentry toolkit — coming home and staying home After decades of working with the currently and formerly incar cerated, we saw that many people transitioning from prison were caught unprepared for the social and emotional challenges of reentry — even those with a polished resume, vocational training, family, and other resources to support them. Incar cerated people released after long sentences are typically demoralized, institutionalized, and stigmatized. We wonder not how 60% of people released from prison return within 3 years, but how 40% make it. Prison habits of survival are hard to unlearn. How do you become vul nerable and ask for help when asking for prison is inherently dangerous, how do you find your place in a fam ily that has learned to live without you, create a schedule after the rigid structure of prison, present a positive

“From this course I have learned so much stuff that we in prison do not think about. It has opened my mind and eyes to what I have to work through in the healthiest manner” — Reimagining Myself Program Participant, NYS prison

image of yourself when branded with the stigma of incarceration, or catch up with technology that your 8-year old nephew can effortlessly navigate? These questions established the basis of the Reimagining Myself Re entry Program, which was informed entirely by formerly incarcerated people with what they wished they knew before release.

Through a 20-session workshop, original narrative and interview films, participant handbook and facilitator guide, Reimagining My self provides hands-on, experiential opportunities for participants to look within themselves to discover their strengths and potential while ac knowledging their individual triggers and foreseeing the pitfalls that may await them. →

Photo courtesy Charles Moore

Reimagining Myself Program participants.

Corrections Today November/December 2023 — 9

NEWS&VIEWS

Photo courtesy Charles Moore

Reimagining Myself Program participants (pictured left); Reimagining Myself Program Narrative Film About Reentry Support (pictured right).

By engaging in these activities, the participants gradually gain the confidence and courage to leave their prison mindset behind and start the exciting prospect of building a new life, reengaging with fam ily and community. At the end of one class, a participant said, “The job application speech was really helpful. I hadn’t thought about how I would present myself in an inter view. I thought the narrative films and testimonials from the videos were great. You have to be aware of

old habits you picked up in prison. The videos hammered that home.” The Reimagining Myself Pro gram research evaluation reported that participants felt better able to identify and deal with their negative emotions and problematic habits, gained confidence about manag ing job interviews, felt better able to creatively problem-solve, gained confidence in their ability to manage conflict in a healthy way and de veloped more ways to process their thoughts and feelings. When an RTA

request reimagine@rta-arts.org. RTA as well as the Reimagining Myself Reentry Program has had the ongoing support of New York State’s Department of Corrections and Com munity Supervision from the pilot, through the development of the full program. Recently launched in several NYS prisons, the Reimagining Myself pro gram has proved to be a win/win for both the participating individuals and the prison system. It’s also a win/win for society at large, which saves mil lions of dollars in lower recidivism, and makes life on the street a little safer for all of us.

formerly incarcerated member learned about the Reimagining My self Program, he said, “tell them the one thing we have in common — all of us is the human capacity to be a better version of ourselves no matter what that looks like. Out here, on the outside, there are folks who were once where you are, who have come home and are successful.” The full research report is available upon

For more information, contact via email at

reimagine@rta-arts.org or visit RTA’s website at www.rta-arts.org

Katherine Vockins, DHL is the RTA Founder and Director of the Reimagining Myself® Program. She can be contacted via email at Katherine.vockins@ rta-arts.org.

Photo courtesy Charles Moore

Reimagining Myself Program Narrative Film about Family Reunification.

10 — November/December 2023 Corrections Today

WARDENS • SUPERINTENDENTS • DEPUTIES • COMMISSIONERS/ASSISTANT DIRECTORS

EXCITING NEWS!

The ACA Certification Program Presents:

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

AN ESSENTIAL SOURCE!

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

onal Association gton Street VA 22314 a.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 at acaprodev@aca.org

11

Correctional Nurse Manager Certification

The CCNM First Edition Study Guide NOW AVAILABLE!

• The CCNM 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.

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

12

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 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 3 — Behavioral Health

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 (CCNM)

• 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

13

NEWS&VIEWS

NIJ UPDATE

Research on the mounting problem of correctional officer stress Highlights from the 2023 National Institute of Justice Research Conference By NIJ Staff

Examining and mitigating correc tional officer workplace stressors Speakers at the session on correc tional officer stress included: – Rhianna Kohl, Ph.D., execu tive director, Office of Strategic Planning & Research, Mas sachusetts Department of Correction. – Natasha A. Frost, Ph.D., professor and associate dean, Northeastern University. – Joseph A. Schwartz, Ph.D., as sociate professor, Florida State University. – Diane Elliot, MD, FACP, FACSM, professor, Oregon Health & Science University and Oregon Health Workforce Center. Correctional officer stress stems from two primary sources: 1. The demands of responding to critical incidents within the correctional facility. 2. More mundane organizational

After a hiatus of 11 years, the re birth of the NIJ research conference, under the leadership of Director Nancy La Vigne, featured plenary sessions on overarching issues for the field as well as expert panels de tailing vital new research findings. One series of presentations focused on the prevalence of correc tional officer stress, its debilitating effects, and ways to address it. This article summarizes key insights from those presentations.

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 2023 NIJ National Research Conference lived up to its theme of “Evidence to Action.” The event proved to be a magnet for researchers and justice agency professionals who rely on scientific advances to shape effective policy and practice solutions to crime.

stressors, ranging from under staffed shifts to toxic work environments.

Adobe Stock/peterschreiber.media

14 — November/December 2023 Corrections Today

NIJ

Figure 1: Symptoms of Psychological Distress

Panelists in the conference ses sion on “Examining and Mitigating Correctional Officer Workplace Stressors” discussed the effects and interactions of both sources of stress, as well as promising mitigation strategies. Signs of correctional officer stress Panelist Natasha A. Frost has led NIJ-funded research to investi gate correctional officer well-being, officer suicidality, and the effects of officer suicide on colleagues. Frost and her team at Northeastern University initiated this research in response to an unusually high num ber of Massachusetts Department of Correction (MADOC) corrections officers dying by suicide between 2010 and 2015. Frost’s research found that about 25% of correctional officers in the study self-reported symptoms consis tent with at least one psychological distress outcome. The average suicide rate for MADOC corrections officers over this period was approximately 105 per 100,000 — at least seven times higher than the national suicide rate (14 per 100,000), and almost 12 times higher than the suicide rate for the state of Massachusetts (nine per 100,000). Frost’s account of this study appeared in Corrections Today in 2020 (see “Understanding the Impacts of Corrections Officer Suicide” ). Five percent of all Massachusetts correctional officers exhibited signs of suicidality, 20% had symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and 25% had symptoms of anger and anxiety. 1 Additionally, officers had a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing distress,

Source: Natasha Frost et al., “Turning Points in the Correctional Career: A Longitudinal Study of Occupational Stress, Trauma Exposure, Psychological Distress, and Suicide Risk Among Correction Officers,” PowerPoint presentation, NIJ Research Conference, 2023.

including suicidality, if they had known another officer who died by suicide. The study found that departmen tal discipline, job satisfaction, and strain-based work-family conflict were all significant correlates of compromised mental health among corrections officers. It is possible, in light of these findings, that stress builds during one’s tenure on the job, impacting the health and well-being of correc tions officers. Notably, among new officer recruits, the research team found little evidence of compromised psychological functioning. But the findings were not conclusive. Frost’s initial policy implications from this research recommended that corrections agencies should: – Proactively address officer health and wellness. – Provide critical incident aftercare.

– Attend to organizational and occupational stressors. – Destigmatize mental health conditions. – Address aspects of correc tional culture that stigmatize help-seeking. Presenting on the first longitudi nal study of corrections officer stress In response to this finding, the Northeastern team is conducting the first long-term study of occupa tional stress, violence exposures, and psychological distress for a cohort of correctional officers. Officers taking part in the study graduated from the basic training course of the Massa chusetts Department of Correction (MADOC) between 2020 and 2023. The study phase currently un derway examines the short- and

Corrections Today November/December 2023 — 15

NEWS&VIEWS

they are struggling. This has broader implications for both the workforce and for the incarcerated population.” Frost noted there are signs that the stigma of acknowledging and addressing mental health issues is fading as many in the correctional field redouble their focus on officer health and wellness. “A focus on officers, on officer mental health, and the ways in which they are im pacted by their work environments is long overdue,” she said. “Thank fully, some of those conversations have now started, and officer health and wellness is becoming a prior ity of correction agencies across the country. I am optimistic that a focus on the issues officers have long faced — but too frequently felt they had to hide — will begin to shift the narrative.” A link between critical incidents and mental health problems Given the important role that ex posure to trauma can play in officer wellness documented by Frost, it is essential that the types of incidents that induce trauma or better under stood. Dr. Schwartz of Florida State University presented at the confer ence on how certain physiological and psychological responses to criti cal prison incidents can lead to the development of mental health prob lems among correctional officers. 2 Schwartz and his colleagues found that: 3 1. Mental health problems were highly prevalent among cor rectional officers. 2. There was a correlation be tween greater critical incident exposure and increased mental health symptoms.

Adobe Stock/Diyah

long-term impacts of chronic opera tional and organizational stressors related to exposure to violent and traumatic incidents. The research seeks to identify causal relation ships for a more comprehensive understanding of the risk factors for clinically elevated symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and suicidal ideation. These factors can all be precursors to sui cide among correctional officers. The researchers initially con ducted approximately 250 interviews of new correctional officers who completed MADOC’s basic training course from 2020 through the end of July 2023. Key early findings, summarized in Frost’s panel presen tation, include: – Recruit Diversity: The in coming correctional facility workforce was predominately male (76%) and white (63%); however, it was significantly more diverse than the incum bent workforce. – The Academy Experience: The academy program perpetuated a hypermasculine correctional culture with its emphasis

on self-reliance, aggression, toughness, independence, and suppression of any appearance of weakness. – Retention Prospects: Results from the first interviews found that 76% of respondents indi cated that corrections was likely to be their long-term career, 12% had already thought about quitting, and 10% had left the department within their first year. When interviewed after the con ference session, Frost elaborated on two primary reasons that the mental health of officers has received insuf ficient attention: 1. Officer concern that address ing their mental health issues would have negative repercus sions at work. 2. Societal stigmatization of men tal health issues. Frost explained, “Officers fear repercussions at work, for instance in their fitness-for-duty evaluations. They are reluctant to disclose mental health issues and to seek help when

16 — November/December 2023 Corrections Today

NIJ

3. The mental health symptoms likely would not occur in the absence of psychological stress. 4. There was no detectable sig nificant relationship between exposure to psychological stress and elevated biomarkers (the human hormone cortisol and the enzyme alpha-amylase, which can indicate the pres ence of stress.) That means those measures of stress are not consistently reliable, at least in this study. Further, their research suggests that changes in psychological stress following critical incident exposure are a primary mechanism connect ing work-related critical incident exposure and mental health problems among correctional officers. These findings could be critical for inter vention and prevention strategies. Schwartz and his team recom mended the following steps to improve corrections officer resilience and well-being: – Adopt initiatives targeting change. – Involve the entire agency. – Address multiple domains of wellness. – Initiate modeling of good behavior. – Provide routine health and well ness checks. – Create systems to track change. – Develop officer safety and well ness toolkits. The panel also covered find ings from research on the impact of stressors on correctional officer well-being. In one study, panelist Diane Elliot, MD, FACP, FASCM,

– Heather Rusch, National Insti tutes of Mental Health. – Diane Elliot, MD, FACP, FAC SM, professor, Oregon Health & Science University and Oregon Health Workforce Center. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress. According to a report on mindful ness training for law enforcement officers by panelist Daniel Grupe, mindfulness is the practice of intentionally bringing awareness to present-moment experiences — thoughts, sensations, emotions — with a spirit of openness and acceptance. 6 Expressed differently, “Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being in tensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practic ing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.” Diane Elliot, who designs mind fulness elements for Total Worker Health programs, noted that while mindfulness training may enhance

professor, Oregon Health & Science University and the Oregon Health Workforce Center, and her col leagues found that: – Stress increases with: • Increased work hours. • Work-related demands. • Operational stressors. – Stress does not increase with: • Changes in the public im age of correctional officers. • Supervisor/co-worker support. • Witnessed/experienced violence. Another study examined MRI scans of officers’ brains, finding that high stress activates parts of the brain involved in sustaining attention and ignoring distracting information. This suggests that, in highly demand ing circumstances, those officers may be unable to inhibit inappropriate or automatic responses. 4 Mindfulness training shows prom ise in relieving officer stress During another NIJ conference ses sion, panelists described mindfulness training developed to support officers exposed to high levels of stress. 5 Prolonged stress can cause burnout, characterized by symptoms of emo tional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a sense of low personal accom plishment. Mindfulness training is one promising solution to these stress related outcomes. Speakers included: – Daniel Grupe, Ph.D., as sociate scientist, Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison. – Michael Christopher, professor, Pacific University.

Corrections Today November/December 2023 — 17

NEWS&VIEWS

2 Formerly on the faculty of the University of Nebraska-Omaha, the NIJ grantee institution.

cognitive changes associated with chronic stress, traditional mindful ness training requires both time and skilled facilitators. Dr. Gruppe helped direct a randomized controlled trial of mindfulness training for 114 law enforcement officers from three agencies in Dane County, Wisconsin. Key findings included: – Mindfulness training leads to lower PTSD symptoms. – Reduced PTSD symptoms led to improved sleep following mindfulness training. Conclusion The 2023 NIJ National Research Conference’s expert presentations on correction officer stress, and mind fulness training as one approach

to relieving that stress, reflect the commitment of the National Insti tute of Justice to research initiatives supporting our nation’s correctional institutions and those who work and reside there. Details of the 2024 NIJ Research Conference will be available on NIJ. gov in the fall of 2023. ♦ ENDNOTES 1 Frost, N. A., Monteiro, C. E., St. Louis, S., and Luckett, B. 2019. Understanding correctional officer stress: A preliminary report on findings from data collected from the Massachusetts Department of Correction . Boston, MA: Northeastern University; Frost N. A. and Monteiro C. E. 2020. The interaction of personal and occupational factors in the suicide deaths of correction officers. Justice Quarterly , 37(7), 1277-1302; Frost N. A., Monteiro C. E., Stowell J. I., Trapassi J., and St Louis, S. 2020. The impact of correctional officer suicide on the institutional environment and on the well-being of correctional employees . Report prepared for the National Institute of Justice (Publication No. 300715).

3 Schwartz, J., Steiner, B., Granger, D., and Calvi, J. “Examining the role of physiological and psychological responses to critical incidents in prisons in the development of mental health problems among correctional officers.” Final summary overview submitted to the National Institute of Justice, OJP, 2017-R2-CX-0032. 4 Kuehl, K., Mackiewicz-Seagate, K., Elliot, D., Ballin, J., DeFrancesco, C., McGinnis, W., and Gallemore, K. 2021. Workers with higher stress levels have altered dynamic neuroimaging. Journal of Investigative Medicine , 69(1): 199-199 (January). 5 The effects of mindfulness training on stress-related outcomes in law enforcement officers and correctional professionals. 2023. Panel session at NIJ Research Conference, May 23-25 in Arlington, VA. 6 Grupe, D. 2023. The impact of mindfulness training on trauma-related outcomes in law enforcement officers. PowerPoint presentation for panel session at NIJ Research Conference, May 23-25 in Arlington, VA.

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

MEMBERSHIP $35 PER YEAR!

— Bimonthly Corrections Today digital magazine — Digital ACAConnect and Corrections Digest 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

18 — November/December 2023 Corrections Today

Setting a NEW Standard in Jails! American Correctional Association

• Enhance professionalism • Improve conditions of confinement • Enhance operations • Improve public credibility • Increase morale

Accreditation: Excellence in Jails “The ACA accreditation process is a mechanism of checks and balances, and causes correctional systems to assess all facets of their organization. When we take a critical examination of our organizational processes, it offers an opportunity for internal oversight. Correctional systems can identify challenges, discover solutions and implement operational best practices which will significantly improve organizational efficiencies.”

–Tony Wilkes, Chief of Corrections, Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (TN)

American Correctional Association Standards and Accreditation Department

Phone: (800) 222-5646 Email: davidh@aca.org • Web: www.aca.org

Contraband Vandalism

Ligature Maintenance

www.shatrshield.com | More Info: (704) 210-1262 | © 2023 Shat · R ·Shield Lighting Inc.

19

Philadelphia

Conference Overview A very “Philly Special” Congress of Correction

153 RD CONGRESS OF CORRECTION T he cradle of American liberty, the City of Philadelphia, was the site of the 153 rd Congress of Correction from August 9 th to August 13 th 2023. The Conference activity started early each morning as many attendees began each day with early morning yoga provided as part of the exten sive Health and Wellness Expo. A full day of workshops had the Philadelphia

C, proposed elimination efforts and the role of correctional professionals in achieving national eradication. The Health Care Network Reception allowed conference goers to relax and socialize Thursday

Convention Center buzzing with activity. The Health Care Special Session and Lun cheon on Thursday was the first big event of the Congress. Dr. Francis S. Collins MD, Ph.D. from the National Institutes of Health and special advi sor to President Biden and Dr. Carolyn Wester MD, MPH of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention talked about the impact of hepatitis

All conference photos courtesy © Lovestruck Images unless otherwise noted

20 — November/December 2023 Corrections Today