Date: Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
To register for this webinar, click here.
In
recent years, researchers and practitioners have learned a great deal about
properly addressing offender risks to improve post-incarceration outcomes. By
conducting actuarial assessments of each individual’s risks and needs and
coupling this diagnostic information with clinical judgment, practitioners can
develop reentry plans that increase the likelihood of improved outcomes for
both the individual and the community.
In addition, practitioners can further
increase the likelihood of success when factors such as employment, educational
levels, and vocational aptitudes, as well as community factors (e.g., access to
healthy social activities or access to pro-social individuals) are addressed in
individual reentry plans.
This
webinar will focus on developing optimal individual reentry plans. The
presenter will discuss organizational considerations that can greatly influence
how offender risk and needs are measured and addressed, and system
considerations including the extent of planning and collaboration with other
government and community organizations that is needed to improve the likelihood
that a person will succeed after release from prison and jail. Attention will
be given to resource limitations, staff training, and the availability of
supports and services within communities.
The
webinar will also include brief discussions about:
- Appropriate cognitive-behavioral treatment interventions that address
assessed criminogenic needs;
- Improving life skills (e.g., financial literacy or interacting with
employers and peers in a non-confrontational manner);
- Addressing basic education and vocational training deficits;
- Measuring and capitalizing on an individual’s strengths;
- Ensuring that the transition from living in a prison/jail to the
community is as smooth as possible (e.g., How will the individual leave
the institution and get to the area he/she will live? Where will he/she go
immediately after release? Does the individual have suitable clothing and
resources for food and other necessities?);
- Establishing pro-social “hooks” for a given individual (e.g., mentors,
community organizations, employers willing to help the ex-offender avoid
falling back on anti-social habits);
- Attendees can ask the presenter questions about any of these or other
related topics in the last 30 minutes of the webinar.
The
presenter for this webinar is Kathleen Gnall, an independent consultant with
extensive experience working with criminal justice professionals, policymakers,
community and business leaders, social service providers, and members of
faith-based and non-profit organizations to enhance public safety while
improving individual outcomes. Ms. Gnall spent 17 years with the Pennsylvania
Department of Corrections (PDOC), where she served as executive assistant to
the Secretary of Corrections; the Director of Policy, Planning, Research,
Evaluation and Grants; and the Deputy Secretary for Specialized Programs and
Reentry.