Inmate Assistance Programs

During this reporting period, the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (PRDCR) and JDI met several times. The grantee's main activities included updates to educational materials and progress on camera installations. PRDCR is currently awaiting approvals for their training contract, which has delayed further implementation toward that goal. Notably, their federal advisor's contractor's contract was once again up for renewal, posing a repeated challenge that has historically disrupted progress.

Essex County closed out their grant during this reporting period. By the end of the grant, Essex County established a permanent state-level position for a mental health clinician. The county tried multiples measures to solicit and hire for this position, including advertising through the existing contract medical provider and the local rape crisis center. Unfortunately, perhaps due to COVID or the impermanence of the position, they continued to encounter barriers to hiring.

Cases responded to and closed during the reporting period July - December 2024 were 409.

The Jails and Justice Support Center (JJSC) assists jails in creating and sustaining safe, humane, and effective environments for their populations, including incarcerated individuals, staff, and visitors. The JJSC engages directly with jurisdictions in the delivery of training and technical assistance on the identified core topics. In addition to providing technical assistance and resources for jails, the JJSC also serves as a hub for other federally funded programs and resources.

Motivational Interviewing is a style of interaction that is client-driven and supports individuals in the healing and change process. There is significant research in the health, education and criminal justice fields that supports the use of motivational interviewing in addressing the needs of victim/survivors and offenders, providing support and helping to facilitate change. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a trauma-informed interviewing/interacting technique that focuses on creating supportive, meaningful and strategic conversations.

Research paper reporting on surveys and listening sessions addressing gaps in services between tribal, local, state and federal corrections agencies on community based supervision and reentry. Article included in grant reporting.

Change Management: Navigating organizational and cultural shifts within tribal communities, focusing on effective leadership, communication, and engagement strategies to facilitate successful change initiatives.

Discuss the barriers that result from the criminalization of substance use disorders and mental health disorders. Explore various challenges faced by tribal populations in accessing culturally competent reentry services, including substance use disorder and mental health treatment and diversion programs. Examine alternatives to incarceration for effective behavioral health interventions. Review the benefits of peer support and mentorship programs during reentry.

A nine-member focus group was conducted to identify the needs related to continuity of care.

Seven-person focus group was conducted to identify the needs of jails related to MAT and Behavioral Health Services.