National Commission on Correctional Health Care’s Post

“One of the most dangerous things is the inability to admit that the things that we see and hear on a daily basis can change us and affect us in a negative way.” - William Young   While most people think trauma has to stem from some large-scale, super-violent event, it’s actually MUCH more complicated. In fact, trauma can affect ANYONE who experiences deep emotional shock following a stressful event. And for correctional officers, this doesn’t sound unfamiliar. Trauma is tricky and comes with the job of a correctional officer as every interaction they have on shift has the potential to explode. Check out this video where William Young explains how to process and cope with traumatic events and how to support those around you who also experience trauma.   Lastly, a MASSIVE shoutout is owed to William for opening a space to talk about mental health in corrections. #GetYourTeamHomeSafe #WarriorLed #OneTeamOneMission

The intricacies of mental health in community corrections are unveiled in this reprinted article from Advancing Corrections, Issue 15 (2023). The original article features three IACFP student members who worked as research assistants on the IACFP "Mental Health in Community Corrections: International Perspectives" project—Sonya McLaren, Carleton Morrow; Teresa Brasio-McLaughlin, University of Glasgow; and Emilie G., Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The research underscores the intricate connections between mental health, community integration, and successful reentry. By delving into the complexities of mental health in community corrections, this study lays the groundwork for future research and provides valuable insights to shape policies and practices supporting justice-involved individuals with mental health needs. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3MdYVmc

Excellent article. To reduce crime and criminal behavior - you have to protect and create a society the provides safety and the basic foundations for survival so that people no longer need to resort to crime as a means to survive or cope with their struggles.

One of the top things that governments and law enforcement departments can do to help with suicide prevention, mental health treatment, reducing arrests, and detention center costs, and negative interactions with the public is to ensure that Law Enforcement Officers are trained in Crisis Intervention and Crisis Communication. Our course, accredited by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Advanced Training Division, covers mental health and substance use signs and symptoms, crisis communication, crisis de-escalation, and suicide intervention. Our advanced class also covers intellectual disabilities, medical conditions, crisis negotiation, officer self-care and the basics of peer programs within departments and interagency programs. https://lnkd.in/g7UEDRTT

In our latest post on The Arc, we explore the key pillars that help us in #RedefiningSafety: 🤝 Mental health support: Linking people with untreated mental health needs to long-term care in the community—whether or not they have a criminal case—is crucial to lasting public safety. 🛑 Addressing violence: By changing neighborhood norms and training respected members of the community as first responders to defuse conflicts, we can stop the spread of gun violence without adding to the harms of the system. 🛠️ Prioritizing local solutions: We have to rethink our responses to crime by offering people who have been arrested meaningful opportunities for change through community-based services. 📣 Community empowerment: We must place residents themselves at the center of the decisions and policies that impact their communities. That means supporting local, collective decision-making in everything. Read more about our approaches on The Arc today and let us know your thoughts in the comments below: https://bit.ly/3TOvRq8 #Justice #Innovation #PublicSafety

Are you interested in discovering the hidden truths of trauma within Illinois prisons? Our latest study uncovers a staggering 89% of prisoners have faced multiple traumatic events.  Intriguingly, nearly a quarter exhibit symptoms of PTSD. The research article sheds light on critical implications for policy and practice. Click here to read about the complex link between trauma and substance use.  https://lnkd.in/ggv3mDz6 #trauma #research #mentalhealthawareness

Check out an insightful article on Dutch prisons, governmental innovation in mental health care, and capitalism's impact on morality. The piece highlights concerns about individuals lacking support, high inflation, and the treatment of neurodivergent individuals. Join the debate on these critical issues! #Justice #MentalHealth #Innovation

Meet Project Mukta: our unwavering commitment to providing mental health support to the women of Byculla Jail, where we are not just breaking barriers but also nurturing hope and resilience within the prison walls. 🌟In our 2nd year of working with these women, we have yet again attempted offering essential mental health services that extend far beyond confinement.These women are not just inmates; they are valued members of our journey towards healing and empowerment. Through innovative interventions, we are helping them in rewriting the narratives of their lives, instilling a sense of agency and self-worth. Tools like PHQ-9 and GAD-7 help us measure our impact, ensuring that our efforts lead to tangible and meaningful changes in their lives.Each session is a mosaic of heartfelt stories, transformative experiences, and a fostering of deep connections amidst themselves. We provide a safe space for these women to find solace, and discover their inner strength. Together, we are aiming to spreading hope, and building bridges of empowerment that transcend the confines of the prison, one conversation at a time. #ProjectMukta #MentalHealthSupport #EmpowermentJourney #MakeAConversationFoundation

Competency delays impact more than high-profile cases—people face months in jail for low-level crimes. WellPower’s Community Based Enhanced Restoration (CBER) program in Denver is addressing this issue. Our competency diversion program seeks to dismiss cases for those found incompetent multiple times, providing immediate help and long-term stability through mental health support and housing solutions. With the justice system overwhelmed, initiatives like these are crucial. https://lnkd.in/gf7Qw2h4