Luther Jessie Division Director, Project Pride East Bay Community Recovery Project ADP Conference October 13, 2010 Working with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

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 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 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 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 Getting approval to help the women advance their rehabilitation Access to educational resources Sleeping arrangements Enrichment activities - Outings Psychiatric care when symptoms became acute Child enrichment support

Working out a Good Relationship with CDCR Meet Regularly Be Knowledgeable of the Directives, and the Contractual Obligations Be Prepared to Negotiate

Overcoming 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) 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