Proceedings and Papers

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD

9:00am - 12:00pm

CONCURRENT INSTITUTES:

Clinical Skills Institute
Session 1: Clinical Skills and Techniques
Session 2: Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and Stress
Session 3: Gender, Culture, and Substance Abuse: Building Competencies for Better Practice (PDF)
Presenters:Angela Holman, PhD and Hugh Jackson, PhD
Moderator: Susan McLaughlin

This institute will provide information on three topics of value to those working with clients on a daily basis. During the first part of the institute participants wil be provided with clinical skills and techniques to use in their everyday practice as care managers, supervisors, and treatment providers. Theoretical perspectives and research-based information will provide a foundation for clinical skill development. Participants will increase their awareness of counseling processes, the therapeutic relationship, and the importance of continued skill develop ment. The second part of the institute will focus on the unique type of stress experienced by those in caregiving professions. As we begin to understand this specific type of caregiver stress, sometimes called compassion fatigue, vicarious traumatization, or secondary traumatic stress, we also begin to understand the necessity of caring for ourselves. Strategies for recognizing and addressing the particular type of stress experienced by caregivers will be discussed. The final part of this institute will address how practitioners can build competencies addressing clients’ cultural dimensions of personal identity such as gender, race and ethnicity, and sexual orientation in substance abuse work. Relevant terminology and recent research will be discussed within this subject area. Culturally appropriate treatment strategies will also be discussed.

Mental Health Institute
Session 1: The SPECTRUM Project (PDF)
Session 2: Violence Risk Assessment and Management in Diversion Populations (PDF)
Session 3: The Fundamentals of a Mental Health Court
Presenters: Charles Amrhein, PsyD and Merrill Rotter, MD

Back by popular demand, with new information, is the Mental Health Institute. The first part of this year’s institute will focus on the SPECTRUM Project. Sensitizing Providers to the Effects of Correctional Incarceration on Treatment and Risk Management (SPECTRM) targets provider training with a defined modality of rehabilitation to expand the willingness and ability of clinicians to help individuals with mental health issues reach their recovery goals. Through their experiences in the uniquely demanding and dangerous environment of jail and prison, people with pyschiatirc disorders develop a repertoire of adaptations that set them apart from persons who have not been incarcerated. Although these behaviors help the person adapt and survive during incarceration, they seriously conflict with the expectations of most therapeutic environments and interfere with community adjustment and personal recovery after release. Simultaneously, mental health providers are frequently unaware of these patterns and misread signs of difficult adjustment as resistance, lack of motivation for treatment, evidence of character pathology, or active symptoms of mental illness. The second part of this institute will review types of violence and threats, along with a survey of methods that can help us understand the likelihood of future violence. We will review a structured model for assessing violence potential and how to think about whether the potential is manageable.
Several detailed cases will be used to elaborate the principles of risk management.

Addiction as a Public Health Issue
Session 1: TASC and Public Health Interventions
Session 2: Pain Management and Drug Misuse
Presenters: Frank Fornari, Tio Hardiman, Susan Shepherd, T. J. Sommer and Melanie Whitter
Moderator: Pamela Rodriguez

While there has been extensive dialogue on the need to de-stigmatize addiction and provide treatment instead of incarceration (with respect to non-violent addiction-motivated crimes), this institute explores several key topics often missing from the conversation. After defining exactly what a ‘public health’ approach to addiction means and why it is critical, the institute addresses the pervasive problem of racial/ethnic health disparities and disproportionate minority contact (DMC) with the justice system as they relate to addiction and other social 16th National Conference on Drugs & Crime
factors. The first part of the institute presents several traditional public health intervention case studies that have addressed addiction and the associated harms, followed by a presentation of innovative, ‘outside-of-the-box’ interventions that have proven successful, such as the CeaseFire project that has led to a decrease in gang violence through the application of a public health model. The first session of this institute will close with a moderated discussion of how TASC programs can apply a public health model in their jurisdictions. The second session will focus on prescription medication abuse.The use and misuse of medications prescribed for managing chronic pain has become a current public health issue, the results of which TASC deals with daily.

Treatment Planning MATRS
Presenter: Worth Bolton

The primary goal of this training package is to transform required “paperwork” into clinically useful information. The Addiction Severity Index (ASI) is one of the most widely used tools for the assessment of substance use-related problems. Addiction counselors working in community- based treatment centers administer the ASI, yet often fail to use findings to identify client problems, develop individualized treatment plans, and make referrals matched to client needs. Intake workers, counselors, supervisors, and managers often view the ASI assessment as time consuming and not clinically useful. Supervisors and administrators often do not utilize treatment plans to monitor treatment outcomes and/or client retention.

Reentry Institute: Offender Employment Specialist Training (PDF)
Presenters: Art Beeler, Jahi Davis, Mona J. Horton, and Charles Reid

The National Career Development Association (NCDA) is a founding division of the American Counseling Association (ACA). The mission of NCDA is to promote the career development of all people over the life span. To achieve this mission, NCDA provides service to the public and professionals involved with or interested in career development, including professional development activities, publications, research, public information, professional standards, advocacy, and recognition for achievement and service. NCDA is an authorized continuing education provider for the National Board of Certified Counselors. The continuing education offered for this conference is accepted for the Global Career Development facilitator (GCDF), state licensure, and other credentialing providers. www.ncda.org.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH

CONCURRENT SESSIONS:

Solving Problems: Integrating NIATx and Staff Consensus Building Approaches (PDF)
Presenters: Kimberly Johnson, Gerald Melnick, PhD, and Marc Smith

The panel will present an integration of the NIATx outcome-oriented problems solving approach to facilitating program improvement with a consensus building approach to improve fidelity and sustainability of the new procedures.

The Results of War: Meeting the Needs of Returning Service Members and Veterans
Presenter: Angela Halvorson

As our communities welcome the return of service members from duty around the world, community systems and families struggle to predict and meet the need for support for the “invisible” wounds of war. Significant challenges include understanding the unique needs of today’s service members and preparing systems to provide trauma-informed services that reflect an understanding of the military culture, service members’ experience, the range of
post-trauma effects, and the effects of traumatic brain and other physical injuries. This interactive workshop provides information based on current research, a forum for discussion, and materials for anyone striving to meet the needs of returning service members and veterans.

Reentry Research in Practice (PDF)
Presenter: Pamela K. Lattimore, PhD

This workshop will provide an overview to the national research related to offender transition and reentry and more generally a discussion of effective correctional practices. This workshop will also discuss effective strategies related to substance abuse.

Life After Incarceration: Ex-Offender Panel
Moderator: Milton Abrams

This panel of ex-offenders will dicuss their struggles with the day to day barriers an exoffender face along with maintaining their sobriety and what kept them on their path to re-integrate back into society.

Overview of Current Pre-trial Diversion Strategies for Drug Abusers
Presenter: John P. Bellassai, JD

This workshop will provide an overview of some basic diversion program models, both statutory and non-statutory, which accept drug charges and/or drug-dependent defendants. Operating features, eligibility criteria and service/supervision strategies will be contrasted and compared. A listing of all statewide diversion statutes and court rules will be distributed, as well as a list of all known diversion programs. Individual programs which illustrate particular features common to these models will also be highlighted. In the process, some possible “best practices” in pretrial diversion today, most of which cut across these models or are easily transferable from one program model to another, will be suggested and discussed.

Writing Clear, Concise, and Clinically Defensible Patient Placement and Level of Care Justifications (PDF)
Presenter: Thomas Coyne, EdD

Substance using or abusing offenders are often required to undergo a comprehensive assessment of their substance abuse problems, after which many are referred or mandated to treatment based on the patient placement or level of care recommendation. These recommendations in many cases must be followed by the client; however, many of these recommendations and decisions are not accompanied by a clear, concise, and clinically defensible justification. A clinical justification provides a summary of the evidence that justifies an interviewer’s Patient Placement or Level of Care recommendation. Do the treatment and judicial systems have a responsibility to the client, and the public for documenting what it is they believe and why they believe it?

Substance Abuse, PTSD and Returning Veterans (pt 1)
Presenter: Worth Bolton

This session is a “Veterans’ Issues 101” workshop that will provide TASC staff with an overview of issues faced by returning vets and how to identify community resources to assist them.

The Great Debate: Pros and Cons of Drug Decriminalization
Speakers: Robert Guest, Kenneth Robertson, and John Carnevale
Moderator: Harry Wexler, PhD

Robert Guest, a senior writer for The Economist, will provide an overview of the issues and the case for legalization that was published inThe Economist. John Carnevale will present the case against legalization focusing on the consequences that need to be considered. Dr. Harry Wexler will chair the debate and Kenneth Robertson will serve as a discussant.

Medication Assisted Treatment in the Justice System: A focus on Buprenorphine, Naltrexone and Methadone
Presenter: Dave Phalen and Robert Schwartz, MD

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based practice that offers new tools for addressing addiction with offenders. Results can include increased compliance with criminal justice mandates, reduced recidivism and more durable recovery. Learn about the current medications available to treat addiction and a successful re-entry program in Ohio that incorporates MAT.

Modified Therapeutic Communities: Diversion and Re-Entry Options for Felony Drug and Serious Offenders
Presenters: Ty Dexter and Robert Williams

Substance abuse is implicated in the crimes of 80% of inmates. Many clinicians, service providers, and researchers contend that drug abusers who are criminal offenders are best served through treatment (Harrell & Roman, 2001). Eighty-five percent of criminal offenders need substance abuse treatment, but approximately 13% actually receive it (McNeece & DiNitto, 2005). There is a growing body of evidence indicating that treatment for offenders who abuse substances is effective (McNeece & DiNitto, 2005).

Using State Services for Effective Navigation through Employment Barriers (PDF)
Presenter: James S. Korth

Finding appropriate employment is a key to recovery and a return to responsible citizenship. Those with mental health, addiction, and/or criminal records face many barriers to finding work. This session will examine strategies to be used by case managers and clients to navigate around those barriers open doors to employment by taking advantage of services offered through One-Stop and State Employment Services Agencies.

Critical Components of Arizona’s Successful TASC Diversion Program:Case Management
Presenters: Marrya Briggs, Doug Kramer, and Melissa Russo

A view into the critical components that make Arizona’s TASC Diversion program successful with an emphasis on case management and urinalysis.

The Use of Screening Tools in the TASC Assessment Process
Presenter: Jim Evans

Patient Placement and Level of Care Recommendations: Life and Death Decisions (PDF)
Presenter: Thomas H. Coyne, EdD

Substance using or abusing offenders are often required to undergo a comprehensive assessment of their substance abuse problems, after which many are referred or mandated to treatment based on the patient placement or level of care recommendation. Offenders who relapse or fail to complete treatment often experience significant repercussions, including jail time. What if the patient placement decision or level of care recommendation is wrong? Who should be held accountable when offenders relapse or fail to complete treatment? How do you as a clinician, counselor, treatment agency, district attorney, judge, defense attorney, parole or probation officer know the recommendations made for treatment are correct?

Substance Abuse, PTSD and Returning Veterans (pt 2)
Presenter: Worth Bolton

This session is a “Veterans’ Issues 101” workshop that will provide TASC staff with an overview of issues faced by returning vets and how to identify community resources to assist them.

Drug Use and STD-HIV Risk Among Arrested Youths, Adults Over 50, and Injectin Drug Users (PDF)

Drug Use, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, STD/HIV Risk Behavior Among Female and Male Arrested
Youths (PDF)

Presenters: Richard Dembo, PhD, Howard Josepher, and Stephen Karpiak, PhD

The workshop will present reports of studies and service delivery/interventions relating to drug use and STD/HIV risk in these groups. Innovative, collaborative efforts to provide testing and treatment to infected persons will be discussed.

Newsworthy Stories in Criminal Justice: A Dialogue between the Economist and TASC
Presenters: Charles Amrhein, PsyD, Foster Cook, Robert Guest, Pam Rodriguez, Wes Stewart and David Wills
Moderator: Harry Wexler, PhD

A dialogue between The Economist and TASC.

Children Need Their Mothers/Mothers Need Summitt House
Presenter: Donna Price

This workshop will focus on a non-profit residential community corrections program and its assistance to mothers who have committed non-violent crimes, who are pregnant and/or have custody of children age 7 and under. Summit House works to break the multigenerational cycle of poverty, crime and substance abuse by intervening in and strengthening the lives of mothers and their children. Audience members will receive valuable information about a program that is considered to be an alternative to incarceration.

Current North Carolina Department of Correction Reentry Initiatives (PDF)
Presenters: Victor Marrow, Roshanna Singley-Parker, and Lisa Stancil

This session will provide information regarding current NC Department of Correction initiatives related to offender transition and reentry. Information will be shared about release planning and preparation in various divisions, partnerships with state and local and community- based agencies and current and potential grant projects. This session will provide specific information regarding the Prisoner Reentry Initiative grant project, advisory committee and the day-to-day operation/activities in Charlotte, NC.

Critical Components of Arizona’s Successful TASC Diversion Program: Drug Testing
Presenter: Douglas Kramer

This workshop is an open discussion of Drugs of Abuse testing from a laboratorian’s perspective, and will address the basics of drug testing and result interpretation. This session will be an open discussion, guided by the presentor to address relevant issues necessary to implement a successful drug testing program. Attendees are encouraged to introduce topics for discussion, as this workshop will be focused towards enhancing the attendees’ practical knowledgebase of drug testing.

Integrating the TASC and Drug Court Model (Power Point Presentation)
Presenters: Jim Evans and Andrea Glass-Paventi

This workshop will focus on the integral role a TASC program plays in the drug court model. This session will be appropriate for both adult, family, and juvenile programs. The discussion will focus on TASC’s role in orientation, assessment, case management and drug testing within a drug court. Presentation will be didactic with power point.

Pharmacology and Physiology of Addiction
Presenters: Frank Fornari, PhD and John Femino, MD

This pharmacology workshop will focus on the bio chemistry and genetics of basic neurochemistry, the generic phenomenon of addiction and behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs. The emphasis will be on the major drugs of abuse including prescription drugs. The course will also update the participants on new methods and discoveries in psychopharmacology which bear on the causes of treatment of addictive behaviors.

Clinical Supervision Skills and Techniques
Presenter: Hugh Jackson, PhD

Clinical supervision is a distinct intervention with it’s own theories, skills, and interventions. This workshop will present both clinical supervisors and supervisee’s with foundational knowledge related theories, skills, and interventions commonly used in clinical supervision. Topics covered include: the supervisory relationship, models of supervision, and methods of assessment.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH

Plenary Speakers:
Andrew Molloy, Bureau of Justice Assistance, George Keiser, Chief, Community Corrections, National Institute of Corrections