CSG Justice Center staff provided on-site TA to VT DOC staff with a focus on realigning correctional culture with EBP's and improving Vermont's corrections system to improve the success of returning individuals and the community.
Roger Werholtz provided an overview of the organizational changes in Vermont DOC. Carrying out system-wide change requires anticipating resistance, committing to quality, and acknowledging how difficult this change can be for staff. New practices will eventually become second nature to staff
During the group meetings the following items were discussed
Communication of the DOC's vision/mission could be more effectively incorporated into the implementation of evidence-based practices
Acknowledgment of the important work that all staff are doing to make these changes could be more consistent
There is need to establish a clear rationale for why the DOC is enacting these changes, and to establish what each staff member's role is in carrying these changes out
Line staff are not feeling empowered to carry out the directives that are coming from central office and use their own professional discretion
DOC's role as part of AHS and part of the criminal justice system makes defining the identity of the department difficult
Help staff to balance security/containment with risk reduction
Empower staff to make real-time decisions using the tools and knowledge they receive from leadership
To accomplish this, leadership needs to improve communication internally and externally, and needs staff at all levels--especially mid-level management--to help with that
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