Corrections Professionals

The Bureau of Justice Assistance, in collaboration with the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program (COAP) team, will host a no-cost webinar on July 25, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. ET.

The theme for this summer’s training institute is, "Passion, Courage, and Endurance: Transforming Community Corrections." The adult and juvenile justice systems are experiencing significant and powerful change driven by justice reform and innovative practices focused on promoting public safety in a more fair, just, and effective manner. America’s ever-changing landscape poses challenges and opportunities to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion in justice system program development, culturally competent and trauma-informed service delivery, and organizational change.

"Veterans Treatment Courts:
Exploring Operations and Issues to Inform the Future"

A webinar by the Justice Programs Office at American University

June 25, 2019
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET

Health care is one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in the country, with the demand for qualified workers greatly exceeding supply in many areas. But people who have criminal records are often unable to enter or advance within this relatively high-paying sector due to a complex web of legal barriers that make jobs and licenses difficult or impossible to obtain.

Veterans who are incarcerated have unique needs for services, which often include behavioral health treatment. In response, some correctional facilities have developed programming tailored for veterans in their facilities and have curated partnerships with justice programs in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans Health Administration to better serve them.

According to the Office of Justice Programs, levels of stress in the correctional environment are some of the highest occupational levels anywhere. Several studies have identified implications like significant elevations in behavioral and somatic healthcare problems, unscheduled absences, low productivity, high levels of burnout and staff turnover, the impact on safe operations, and the financial costs associated with all of these factors.

In this webinar, presenters will explore the important role of resource parents in supporting the family recovery and reunification process. Presenters will share their experiences in engaging resource parents in critical activities, including facilitating quality and frequent family time, co-parenting with the birth parent, and providing a trauma-informed approach. Additional technical assistance resources, including a pre-recorded video presentation, team discussion guide, and “Take Action” guides will also be provided to enhance learning.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) will host an informational webinar on May 17, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. ET to provide information for state, local, and tribal jurisdictions that are interested in implementing a Swift, Certain, and Fair Supervision Program Model through the BJA solicitation titled, “FY 2019 Innovative Responses to Behavior in the Community: Swift, Certain, and Fair Supervision.”