Luther JessieDivision Director, Project PrideEast Bay Community Recovery Project

ADP Conference October 13, 2010

Working with the California Departmentof Corrections and Rehabilitation

Working with the California Departmentof Corrections and Rehabilitation

Real Life Experience with Female Criminal Justice

Clients

Real Life Experience with Female Criminal Justice

Clients

Project Pride founded in 1994

Co mingling of criminal justice clients with those who self referred has always been an issue

Historically, rules were based on the most restrictive, thereby ensuring compliance across the board

How Change Became Possible

How Change Became Possible

Communication of Project Pride’s mission and an unfaltering belief in it was key

If you don’t ask, you don’t know the answer

If you don’t get an acceptable answer, keep communicating

The California Department of Corrections and

Rehabilitation

The California Department of Corrections and

Rehabilitation

Was responsible for 70% of Project Pride’s census

However, their rules were applied to 100% of our women and children

Many restrictions, though seemingly necessary, were ready to be challenged

What CDCR Does WellWhat CDCR Does Well

Screening the women before they enter treatment

The women referred to Project Pride did not present, at least immediately, with acute mental health symptoms

The women referred did not have a history of violent behavior

Challenges Faced with CDCR

Challenges Faced with CDCR

Getting approval to help the women advance their rehabilitationAccess to educational resourcesSleeping arrangements Enrichment activities - OutingsPsychiatric care when symptoms

became acuteChild enrichment support

Working out a Good Working out a Good Relationship with CDCRRelationship with CDCR

Working out a Good Working out a Good Relationship with CDCRRelationship with CDCR

Meet Regularly

Be Knowledgeable of the Directives, and the Contractual Obligations

Be Prepared to Negotiate

Overcoming ObstaclesOvercoming Obstacles

Project Pride staff has demonstrated resiliency

Communicating priorities clearly is key

Both sides have to be invested in finding a solution

Knowing who to talk to is also very important

Recommendations - (the same as Dr. Zweben’s)

Recommendations - (the same as Dr. Zweben’s)Select appropriate evidence-based practices;

avoid “pick from this list” approach

Beware of rigid adherence to a model or EBP at the expense of individualized treatment planning

Carefully investigate whether appropriate services are available

Eliminate barriers to medication use for psychiatric or addictive disorders

Acknowledge that tx requires building capacity for independence; avoid excess restrictions not required for public safety