Program Implementation Management/Support

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has recently implemented the requirements of Senate Bill 182 known as The Transgender Respect, Agency, and Dignity Act. The reality of this bill’s implementation has resulted in the need for cultural awareness training and education for CDCR staff and both cis- and transgender people in CDCR custody. CDCR PREA Coordinator, Captain Shannon Stark, requested technical assistance (TA) from the National PREA Resource Center (PRC) to develop educational videos.

In this reporting period, IIR completed a suitability review and received BJA approval for one SME with communications expertise to support program deliverables including delivery of virtual and on-site TTA to project sites.

In this reporting period, IIR completed a suitability review and received BJA approval for one SME with rapid response expertise to support program deliverables including delivery of virtual and on-site TTA to project sites.

In response to a referral from BJA’s grant management office, TTA Program staff provided assistance to the New England Arab American Organization. Program staff provided
guidance regarding use of a subaward versus a memorandum of understanding with subrecipients, and several resources were provided to assist the site with development of agreements.

The following activities occurred during this reporting period:

· Newly released resources were added to the COSSUP Resource Center website, as well as new announcements, funding opportunities, and learning opportunities.

The following Community of Practice activities occurred during this reporting period:

• Hosted a State Agency Community of Practice meeting (July and September 2024)
• Hosted OFR Data System User Group meetings (August, October, and December 2024)
• Hosted Next-of-Kin Interview Learning Community convenings (September 2024)
• Hosted Grantee monthly cohort calls (August – December 2024)

OFR Activities

• IIR staff members provided ongoing TTA support as requested through the TTA Tracker, via direct email correspondence with practitioners, and from participants attending
IIR-supported convenings (Community of Practice calls, webinars, Affinity Group calls, and state meet-and-greet calls). In addition, as new OFR sites were identified, IIR staff members reached out and requested an initial introductory call to understand the site’s needs and review the resources and support available to the sites.

Wellness Court Specialist Angie Juárez-Monger provided outreach and support to the Southern Ute Tribe (FY23 Adult Treatment Court grantee) this reporting period with project check-ins and offering of training and technical assistance. After a tragedy experienced by the Southern Ute THWC, TLPI engaged in healing and memorial efforts to honor a Southern Ute Wellness Court graduate. An Alumni Award was created to honor the memory of their participant and will be added to TLPI's Wellness Court Training annual recognitions.

The opioid epidemic has been exacerbated by the pandemic, especially in rural areas. Th peer exchange will allow visiting teams to discuss and share best practices, exchange ideas and knowledge, and engage in peer networking events.

Implementing a mini-grant program to assist SAAs in improving their DCRA reporting and data collection efforts.