Reducing the Use of Segregation in Correctional Facilities: Lessons from the Field/ Webinar # 1: Using Assessment to Drive Reform

Featured Speakers:
Gregg Marcantel, Secretary, New Mexico Corrections Department
Shirley Moore Smeal, Executive Deputy Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
Dr. Léon Digard, Senior Research Associate, Vera Institute of Justice
Moderated by: Sara Sullivan, Project Manager, Vera Institute of Justice
Remarks by: Juliene James, Senior Policy Advisor, U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance

Content of the Webinar:
This is the first in a series of webinars presented by the Vera Institute of Justice’s Safe Alternatives to Segregation Initiative. The purpose of the series is to highlight reforms to segregated housing (also referred to as restrictive housing or solitary confinement) being implemented by corrections agencies across the country. The first webinar will examine the benefits of reducing the use of segregation in a corrections system, discuss what a system interested in reforming this practice needs to know to get started, and feature reduction strategies implemented by two corrections departments.

Dr. Léon Digard of the Vera Institute of Justice will outline the process of assessing a system to better understand how segregation is used in facilities. Executive Deputy Secretary Shirley Moore Smeal will discuss what the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections learned from using this process and how they have translated that knowledge into a practical plan for reducing segregation. Secretary Gregg Marcantel will then detail the reforms that the New Mexico Corrections Department has implemented to dramatically reduce their segregated population.

Who Should Attend:
The webinar aims to provide on-the-ground examples and ideas for practical solutions, and will be particularly useful for corrections agencies that are interested in reducing their use of segregation. Security, mental health, program, and other staff from state corrections agencies and local jails are encouraged to attend. Medical and mental health care practitioners, researchers, advocates, and other criminal and juvenile justice professionals may also be interested.