Operational Support

EBCI continues to struggle with implementation. Their facility head has been out on medical leave since July. The reservation continues to be hard hit by COVID. Non-essential staff, including human resources, are working from home. Unfortunately, they do not have full access to work systems and processes, further hampering efficiencies.

Early in this reporting period, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) made some progress on their implementation guide, but was faced with additional setbacks as the ongoing COVID pandemic continued to create challenges for the agency. In October the site leads and JDI coaches had a productive meeting with a mental health consultant to discuss the project goals centered around Woodland Correctional Facility and the development of a PREA model for working with inmates with mental illness.

The JDI coaches assisted the grantee in coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, providing sample documents, and resources from program development. SCDC continued to work collaboratively with the JDI coaches and actively sought out suggestions and feedback. Given the number and complexity of the deliverables, a secondary task force was created specifically to oversee the development of the peer support program. The task force includes mental health staff, program staff, and victim advocates.

TMG coaches conducted a follow-up discussion to their October meeting, and provided a written confirmation of what TMG was permitted to do based on the new interpretation of the grant. NYC staff were glad to receive this information.

NJDOC has monthly calls with their coach to check the progress of the PREA video production. Although there are COVID related delays, NJDOC feels confident that they will be able to meet the goals of the grant. TMG coaches received an update on current activities via teleconference. The first draft of their PREA video was completed in October. TMG coaches reviewed the final draft of the PREA video that is being completed by Garrett Hubbard and shared feedback with NJDOC?'s PREA Unit Brielle Easton and James Haas.?

The agency and the Chief are fully on board with PREA implementation and the Lieutenant in charge has been engaged. The Chief and the TA provider have completed the PREA policy and screening tool; screenings have been in place for about five months now. Escambia has a new facility staffing plan that has been completed which includes PREA requirements. They do have to do their annual staffing plan meeting and the Chief discussed inviting the TMG coach or the TA provider to call in and assist them with the first one to make sure it includes everything and is documented properly.

TMG coaches reported that thus far the primary activities for Broward County include a kick-off meeting scheduled during the next reporting period to review the implementation plan template and timeline. Subsequent to that meeting a timeline for development and delivery of the implementation plan template is to be executed.

The TMG Coach is very encouraged by the commitment and willingness of the grantees to participate in this grant process and to implement PREA. Leadership from this site is engaged in meetings and on the phone during coaching calls.This is the first time the community corrections site has worked on PREA-related issues and they are very open to continue to learn from the coach and other resources to ensure they do not reinvent the wheel. They have already begun conducting multi-disciplinary team meetings with tasks and responsibilities to begin PREA implementation strategic planning.?

During this particular reporting period, the agency fully committed to the development of the implementation plan. The team appears to be incredibly competent and committed, have a good knowledge of how to effectively plan for and use grant resources, and how to navigate their internal systems and structures.? The coach believes this site is on track and any delays will likely be due to COVID (i.e., scheduling and conducting onsite audits.

The introductory kick-off call was held December 22, 2020 with PREA coordinator Kennisha Short, project director Jessica Stroop, project manager Callie Murray, and coaches Andie Moss and Shannon Murphy. TMG coaches reviewed the implementation plan submitted by Ms. Short. Ms. Short provided the updated implementation plan on December 31, 2020, along with a proposed timeline. The program is well under way on planning for the inmate worker sewing program to develop shower curtains in compliance with PREA standard 115.15(d), Limits to cross-gender viewing and searches.