Corrections_Today_Spring_2025_Vol.87_No.1

EXECUTIVE OFFICE

PAST PRESIDENT’S CORNER

III. Second chances, restorative justice, and redemption I admit that over my many years, I have swayed with the winds of time. Early in my career, I felt harsh punishment was appropriate and jus tified, now I know punishment alone will not keep our communities safer. Evidence exists that accountabil ity with the chance for meaningful behavioral change can prevent an individual from returning to a life of crime. With the hope of redemp tion, incarcerated individuals can achieve great things from evi denced-based programs that target criminal thinking.

I learned that young people, given the right interventions (guided by research) can make significant prosocial behavioral changes that can positively im pact the trajectory of their lives. I learned that the field of juvenile jus tice, while often overlooked because of its smaller size and rehabilita tive mission, has a lot to offer the overall field of corrections. While much has been done to modernize juvenile justice, much more needs to be done to maintain a balanced approach to providing safety in our communities. ACA is a place where these is sues can be presented and discussed and can make an impact on policy and sound practices going forward.

They can obtain high school and college degrees, and meaningful work training and experience which increases their chance for success. I am grateful, I have had the oppor tunity to evolve as a professional, much of which can be attributed to what I have learned through involve ment in ACA. In closing, I have often referred to ACA as the “Mothership” of the field of corrections. There is room under our tent for everyone. We need all voices, and all of the exper tise for our field to grow for the future. We have so much to offer our communities by being the best at what we do, guided by our values and our expertise. Let’s do it together! CT

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

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