CALENDAR OF EVENTS | | 
| ICCA 24th Annual Research Conf |
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| VIRGINIA CORRECTIONAL ASSN 2016 Training Institute |
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| IACTP 32nd Annual Training Conference |
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| NY CAYSA Annual Training Symposium |
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| SC CORRECTIONAL ASSN Nov. 13-16 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina |
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| NC CORRECTIONAL ASSN Nov. 16-18 |
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ABOUT ACA |
ACA Officers
President
Mary L. Livers, Ph.D., Louisiana President-Elect
Lannette Linthicum, Texas Vice President
Michael Wade, Virginia Treasurer
Gary C. Mohr, Ohio Board of Governors Representatives
Burl Cain, Louisiana
Denise Robinson, Ohio Executive Director
James A. Gondles, Jr., CAE, Virginia
ACAConnect Staff
Director, Government & Public Affairs
Eric Schultz Web Manager/Graphic Designer
LeighAnn Brown
206 North Washington St., Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-224-0000
www.aca.org
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| | | ACA Departments | | STILL TIME TO VOTE: 2016 ACA ELECTION | | Dear ACA Members: The deadline to vote in the 2016 ACA Election is at 11:59 PM (EDT) on Oct. 1, 2016. Our records indicate that some of you have not voted yet. It is important for the future direction of the Association that you vote today. It will only take a few minutes of your time. You will just need your 7-digit or 8-digit member ID# to login. This can be found on the label of Corrections Today magazine or by calling the ACA Membership Department at (800) 222-5646 x0047. Click on the following link to access the login page: https://www.esc-vote.com/aca2016 Thank you! James A. Gondles Jr. Executive Director American Correctional Association | |
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MAURER WINS CORRECTIONAL HEALTHCARE AWARD | | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 22, 2016 Dr. Kathleen F. Maurer, Corrections Medical Director and Director of Health and Addiction Services for the Connecticut Department of Corrections won the coveted "Correctional Healthcare Leadership Award" for 2016 from the Coalition for Correctional Health Authorities (CCHA). The award was presented at the Annual All Health Authority Training and Business Meeting held in the greater Washington, DC area recently. The CCHA is a ten year old organization made up of the 5 largest US jails and the 50 states' correctional health authorities. The CCHA is a part of the American Correctional Association (ACA). In presenting the award, the spokesperson for CCHA, Dr. Elizabeth Gondles, stated "the awardee was nominated by several CCHA peers. Dr. Maurer has worked tirelessly to expand Medicaid access into the correctional systems within the United States. She was the primary author of ACA's monograph entitled "Hepatitis C in Correctional Settings: Challenges and Opportunities". Maurer is a member of the Institute of Medicine Committee charged with evaluating the feasibility of eliminating Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in the United States. Dr. Maurer also represents the ACA on the Coalition to Stop Opioid Overdose and has worked to help fund the US Congressional bill "Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act". Maurer serve on the ACA Board of Governors and participates on mant correctional committees. ACA President Dr. Lanette Linthicum stated "the ACA is fortunate to have on its Board of Governors someone as knowledgeable, as professional and as committed to healthcare as is Dr. Kathleen Maurer. She possesses high moral,ethical character and impeccable integrity. I congratulate her on this very important award." | |
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ACA CONGRATULATES MS DOC CID DIRECTOR | | Mr. Gondles and the ACA staff congratulate Sean K. Smith, Director of the Mississippi Department of Corrections Criminal Investigative Division, for having graduated from the FBI National Academy! | |
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TEXAS HOST COMMITTEE MEETING | | The first Texas Host Committee meeting was held in San Antonio on Sept. 29. Representatives from all jurisdictions were invited to attend. During the meeting, the group discussed ways to assist ACA with the 2017 Winter Conference. | |
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TRAINING & CERTIFICATION | | Workshops: After a successful 146 Congress of Correction in Boston with 130 workshops presented, we’re gearing up for our 2017 Winter Conference in San Antonio. To submit a proposal visit our website here: | |
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CORRECTIONAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CERTIFICATION | | Correctional Behavioral Health Certification and training is now available for correctional practitioners. The target populations for the certification are correctional officers, Allied Behavioral Health Staff and community corrections officers. This certification ensures a candidates’ knowledge of national standards and guidelines; legal and ethical principles; and relevant security regulations. The certification will validate the role of correctional professionals associated with the provision of behavioral health services for mentally ill inmates or offenders in correctional settings. The Office of Correctional Health does offer customized correctional behavioral health training, and study skills webinars to jurisdictions with 10 or more applicants. The training ranges from one day to 40 hours on behavioral/mental health topics. For more information, please contact the Office of Correctional Health at mich...@aca.org. | |
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COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLICATIONS | | We want to hear from you! As practitioners in the field, you have the expertise about what’s happening in the corrections industry, and that’s a huge part of what makes Corrections Today vital to other corrections professionals. Publishing an article in Corrections Today, ACA’s flagship member magazine, is a great way to take the message of your work and experience beyond the walls of your facility and put it directly into the hands of thousands of your peers. The Corrections Today submission guidelines can be found on ACA’s website under the publications tab. When your article meets the guidelines, email it to submi...@aca.org. Not sure how to transform your ideas, programs or experiences into an organized and well-written article? Editors are available to discuss your ideas at (703) 224-0194, and we look forward to working with you! | |
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2017 WINTER CONFERENCE | | San Antonio Jan. 20-25, 2017 Conference Events You Cannot Miss! Health Care Welcome Reception - Friday, Jan. 20, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Health Care Special Session and Luncheon - Saturday, Jan. 21, 12-1 p.m. *Seating is limited* Exhibit Hall Open House Reception - Sunday, Jan. 22, 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. General Session - Monday, Jan. 23, 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Grand Prize Giveaway - Tuesday, Jan. 24, 11 a.m. Annual Luncheon - Tuesday, Jan. 24, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. *Seating is limited* ACA attendee checklist: Housing and registration will open Oct. 1, 2016 | |
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| Around the Nation | | Head of D.C.’s Department of Corrections to leave in November | The Washington Post | A month after losing its chief of police, D.C. is losing the head of its Department of Corrections. Thomas N. Faust, who was appointed director of the agency in 2011, said Tuesday that he will retire in November. Faust, an Arlington County native and former Arlington sheriff, will “relocate to the west coast to focus on family and personal priorities,” according to a statement from the department. | |
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MDOC CHIEF INVESTIGATOR GRADUATES FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY | Mississippi Department of Corrections | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mississippi Department of Corrections, Office of Communications September 23, 2016 JACKSON – The head of investigations for the Mississippi Department of Corrections is among the latest graduates of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. Sean K. Smith was one of two law enforcement officers from Mississippi in the 265th Session of the National Academy. This invitation-only opportunity is offered to the top 1 percent of the law enforcement community. The 265th Session consisted of men and women from 47 states, 24 international countries, three military organizations, four federal civilian organizations and the District of Columbia. Smith completed 17 hours of college courses during the 10-week program. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program covered communications, stress management, advanced leadership, psychology, and other subjects in addition to the physical training associated with the program. Smith, who graduated Sept. 16, said attending the FBI National Academy is one of his foremost professional experiences. | |
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NEW VETERANS UNIT AT BEXAR COUNTY JAIL UP AND RUNNING | NEWS4 San Antonio | BY ZACK HEDRICK, NEWS 4 SAN ANTONIO SAN ANTONIO -- After leaving military service, many veterans face several challenges while adjusting back to civilian life. Sometimes substance abuse can land them on the other side of the law. But a new unit and re-entry program designated specifically for veterans is helping them transition if they’re put in that situation. "We see it too many times,” said James Keith, spokesperson for the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. “It's not uncommon to see veterans in our jail." But a new veterans program is designed to help this group get the help they need once their time is up. “We know that some of their decisions are made because of the service they provided to our country and the stress that comes as a result," said Keith. | |
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| Capitol Report | | HOUSE PASSES JJDPA REAUTHORIZATION | | H.R. 5963, the Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act of 2016 was passed by the House on Sept. 22nd and has now been received in the Senate! The bill strengthens and updates the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (JJDPA), which provides States and localities with federal standards and supports for improving juvenile justice and delinquency prevention practices and has contributed to safeguards for youth, families and communities. More than eight years overdue for re-authorization, the JJDPA is the only federal statute that sets out national standards for the custody and care of youth in the juvenile justice system and provides direction and support for state juvenile justice system improvements. | |
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CONTINUING RESOLUTION FUNDING FED GOVERNMENT INCLUDES CARA FUNDING | | The Continuing Resolution, or 'CR,' which would provide funding for the federal government through Dec. 10th, includes funding for programs authorized under CARA -- the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. Ordinarily, a 'CR' would not provide funds for newly authorized programs. It only funds previously authorized and funded programs at the same level as the present Fiscal Year allows. The 'CR' provides $37 million ($17 million for HHS and $20 million for Department of Justice). As filed by Leader McConnell, the CR would allow HHS and DOJ to start work on select new initiatives, something usually barred by CRs. HHS would be able to immediately start spending funds that, if annualized, would total $17 million. Similarly, DOJ could begin spending funds that would total $20 million on an annualized rate for programs authorized by CARA. | |
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COMPREHENSIVE JUSTICE AND MENTAL HEALTH ACT NEEDS SUPPORT | | In 2004, Congress passed the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (MIOTCRA), which supports innovative programs that bring together mental health and criminal justice agencies to address the unique needs of persons with mental health conditions. The Comprehensive Justice and Mental Health Act (CJMHA) reauthorizes and improves MIOTCRA. Among other things, this bill • Continues support for mental health courts and crisis intervention teams, both of which save lives and money. • Includes new grant accountability measures and emphasizes the use of evidence-based practices that have been proven effective through empirical evidence. • Authorizes investments in veterans treatment courts, which serve arrested veterans who suffer from PTSD, substance addiction, and other mental health conditions. • Supports state and local efforts to identify people with mental health conditions at each point in the criminal justice system in order to appropriately direct them to mental health services. • Supports the development of curricula for police academies and orientations. • Supports the development of programs to train federal law enforcement officers in how to respond appropriately to incidents involving a person with a mental health condition. • Increases focus on corrections-based programs, like transitional services that reduce recidivism rates and screening practices that identify inmates with mental health conditions. • Gives local officials greater control over program participation eligibility. On Dec. 10, 2015, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the bill by voice vote. On Jan. 12, 2016, the House Judiciary Committee approved the bill by voice vote. ACA is calling on all chapters, affiliates and other state and national organizations to show their support for CJMHA (S993/HR1854)! As the 114th Congress winds down, we need to do everything we can to see that this bill makes its way to the House floor for a vote and to the President's desk for a signature! A national sign-on letter is being circulated now! This letter encourages the House Leadership to bring the bill to the floor for a vote. If your agency or organization would like to sign onto the letter, please contact Eric Schultz, ACA Director of Government & Public Affairs at 703-224-0110 or er...@aca.org. To review the full letter and/or more information on the bill, please click on the article title. | |
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| Washington Report | | PRESIDENT DECLARES PRESCRIPTION OPIOID AND HEROIN EPIDEMIC WEEK | THE WHITE HOUSE, OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY | BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Each year, more Americans die from drug overdoses than in traffic accidents, and more than three out of five of these deaths involve an opioid. Since 1999, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids, including prescription opioid pain relievers, heroin, and fentanyl, has nearly quadrupled. Many people who die from an overdose struggle with an opioid use disorder or other substance use disorder, and unfortunately misconceptions surrounding these disorders have contributed to harmful stigmas that prevent individuals from seeking evidence-based treatment. During Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week, we pause to remember all those we have lost to opioid use disorder, we stand with the courageous individuals in recovery, and we recognize the importance of raising awareness of this epidemic. READ FULL TEXT BY CLICKING ARTICLE TITLE | |
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US DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR AND JUSTICE AWARD $59.4M IN GRANTS TO IMPROVE REENTRY OUTCOMES FOR CURRENT, FORMERLY INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS | U.S. Department of Labor | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016 WASHINGTON— The U.S. Department of Labor announced today an investment of $6.4 million in grants to provide currently and formerly incarcerated individuals with important jobs skills and resources by establishing additional American Job Centers inside correctional facilities, and create an online clearinghouse – in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice – to make information needed to expunge criminal records more readily available to further remove barriers to employment. At the same time, the Justice Department is also announcing over $53 million in Second Chance grants to help state, local, and tribal government agencies, and community organizations serve formerly incarcerated people in their communities. The funds awarded today are part of the Obama administration's ongoing efforts to reduce recidivism and promote reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. | |
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JUSTICE DEPARTMENT AWARDS OVER $6.3 MILLION TO STUDY EFFECTS OF INCARCERATION | U.S. Department of Justice | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2016 WASHINGTON, DC – The Justice Department’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) today announced 10 awards totaling more than $6.3 million to fund research on parental incarceration, restrictive housing (such as solitary confinement), reentry, and correctional officer suicide. “A truly fair and effective justice system depends on the strength of the evidence behind its operations,” said NIJ Director Nancy Rodriguez. “These awards will underwrite rigorous studies in areas of paramount concern to corrections policymakers and practitioners and deliver new insights into how to approach the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals, their families, and the men and women who work inside our corrections facilities.” | |
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JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES OVER $10 MILLION TO IMPROVE SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FOR JUSTICE-INVOLVED PEOPLE | U.S. Department of Justice | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, September 19, 2016 Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates today announced awards totaling more than $10.8 million to assist 162 state, tribal and local government agencies to improve evidence-based substance abuse treatment programs for incarcerated inmates, as well as to prepare justice-involved individuals for reintegration into local communities. The grants were announced during a visit by Deputy Attorney General Yates to a Bureau of Prisons Community Treatment Services Program as part of Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week. | |
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| Chapters & Affiliates | | ICCA ANNUAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE | | The International Community Corrections Association will hold their annual research conference in Toronto, Ontario from Oct. 2-5. Workshops will run from Monday morning October 3rd through Wednesday morning Oct. 5th and include: Marginalized & Underserviced: Bolstering Continuity of Care for Criminalized Populations Trauma, Gender Identity and Female Gang Involvement in Canada A Framework for Trauma-Informed Youth Justice Evidence-Based Practices and Evidence-Informed Practice in Community Corrections: Definitions, Debates and Potential Pathways Volunteer Probation Officers and Offender Rehabilitation in Japan and Asian Countries Training and Developing the Millenial Corrections Workforce | |
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TEXAS CRIMINAL JUSTICE ASSOCIATION JOINT CONFERENCE WITH NOHCJ | | “Making a difference” – Mental Health, Medical and Re-entry Services providing the biggest positive impact on the communities we serve. The Dual Chapter takes pride in sharing an ability to make a difference in our Texas communities. The association has its first annual conference coming up and due to its new development teamed up with an organization in the similar field with an in depth knowledge of conferences in the area. The National Organization of Hispanics in Criminal Justice is working in conjunction for its first Annual TCJA and NOHCJ Conference and Training Institute. It will be held at Hyatt Hill Country, San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 8th -12th, 2016. Along with the opportunity to collaborate and learn with others in the field, join for a Round of Golf. This includes new golf carts with touchscreen GPS and USB port, complimentary practice facility with putting, pitching (with sand hazard) and driving ranges, unlimited range balls, and complimentary bag storage. For more information and forms to become involved go to http://www.texascja.com/2016-conference.html. For more information on the Texas Criminal Justice Association, click the article title. | |
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IACTP TO HOLD 32ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE | | The International Association of Correctional Training Personnel is dedicated to serving those in the corrections industry and to improving the performance of staff and operations at all levels and all sectors - probation and parole, jails and prisons, public and private, juvenile and adult, state, federal and international. As a chartered organization with an Executive Board, they work with a number of organizations and welcome the opportunity to collaborate with all correctional agencies and organizations. They are hosting their 32nd Annual Training Conference on Oct. 16-19 in St.Louis. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Grand Regency St. Louis at The Arch. For more information or to register for the conference, please go to: http://www.iactp.org/p/conferences.html | |
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| Committee Corner | | CLEAN AND GREEN COMMITTEE | | The Clean and Green Committee continues to move forward encouraging sustainability in all corners of corrections. Currently new programs are being evaluated by agencies around the country that combine offender training programs with sustainable technology and practices. Learn more about these at the committee meeting. Exhibitors are encouraged to exhibit on the Green Aisle at the Winter Conference in San Antonio. This aisle affords the special focus your sustainable product deserves. Everyone is encouraged to attend the Clean and Green Committee meeting on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the convention center. Contact Tommy Norris by emailing to...@greenprisons.org for more information. | |
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