To provide professional development programs and training initiatives to individuals in the field of corrections.
Objective
Effective Training Through The Public & Media Relations In CJ Workshop
Participants selected for this program will be provided information related to controlling an interview, conducting a successful news conference, writing a news release that gets attention, presenting your case to the public, identifying and using interviewing skills, utilizing strategies for communicating effectively, and identifying strategies for working with current and emerging media. This program is for for qualified staff working at all levels in jails, prisons, parole, probation, pretrial services, juvenile justice, and other corrections-oriented organizations.
Indicator
Completed Evaluation
Participants are requested to complete an evaluation form that consists of 5 questions: 1) What were your expectations of the training before arriving? 2) Were those expectations met? 3) What was the MOST valuable lesson(s) or piece of information you received from the training? 4) What was the LEAST valuable lesson(s) or piece of information you received from the training? 5) What is the ONE thing you took away from the training and plan to implement immediately? Space is provided for additional comments after the last question. Participants also provide feedback informally throughout the program to the program manager.
Obtain an average score above 4.0 on a 5.0 scale together with written participant comments on a formal evaluation.
Finding
N/A - Program Cancelled Due To Budget Cuts
n/a
Criterion
Informal Satisfactory Evaluation
The project manager, using his knowledge of past successful programs, evaluates the program throughout the week. He will also base his findings on informal participant comments and suggestions that may not be found on formal evaluations.
Finding
Program Cancelled Due To Budget Cuts
n/a
Action
Program Cancelled Due To Budget Cuts
cancelled
Objective
Effective Training & Leadership Development Through The Senior Level Leadership Program
To provide effective training and leadership development to individuals in Senior Level Leadership positions in Criminal Justice throughout the State of Texas. The purpose of this program is to equip participants with the necessary correctional knowledge from an academic research standpoint and with the necessary leadership skills from a practitioner perspective that are required for Senior Level Leaders.
Indicator
Evaluation Of Program
Program evaluation conducted at the completion of the training by the program participants. Participants rate each session of the program based on a 5.0 scale. Each area of the evaluation has room for individual participant comments which gives greater depth of knowledge about the ratings. Participants also provide feedback informally throughout the program to the program coordinator, who takes this informal information into consideration.
Criterion
Greater Than 4.0 Satisfaction Rating
Obtain an average score above 4.0 on a 5.0 scale together with written participant comments on a formal evaluation.
Finding
Satisfaction Rating Exceeded
The Senior Level Leadership Program exceeded the 4.0 satisfaction rating based on formal participant evaluations. The program obtained an overall score (by averaging all of the overall speaker scores) of 4.35. The evaluation's participant comments were also overall favorable.
Criterion
Informal Evaluation - Satisfactory
The project coordinator, using his knowledge of past successful programs, evaluates the program throughout the week. He will also base his findings on informal participant comments and suggestions that may not be found on formal evaluations.
Finding
Satisfactory Informal Evaluation
The program was found to have a satisfactory evaluation by the project coordinator through informal observations and participant feedback.
Action
Program Rescheduled
The Senior Level Leadership program was designed to "equip selected participants with the necessary correctional knowledge from an academic research standpoint and with the necessary leadership skills from a practitioner perspective that are required for Senior Level Leaders". As noted by informal and formal evaluations, the program did just this. Participants rated the structure of the program with leadership tools at the beginning, academic research and practitioner presentations in the middle, followed by a closing with more leadership tools as exemplary. In addition, program facilitators were noted to be very accommodating to participant needs. Most of the 25- participants reported the information they received would help them in their current jobs.
Through the expertly facilitated implementation of this program, it met all of its larger goals, "to provide leadership", to assist CMIT in "being recognized for excellence", and to "provide windows of opportunity" to CMIT. This program will continue to be a part of CMITs programs next year, attracting additional senior level leaders to our organization.
Action
Additional Small Group Discussion Time
Participants reported a desire for more group activity time to process academic research information and to explore its relevance to their specific positions. Because of this, more time will be allocated for small group discussion and information processing, especially following academic research pieces.
Action
Addition Of Topics
Some participants reported a desire for more program time devoted to juvenile justice issues and Mental Health Issues. Participants suggested more in depth introduction and explanation of Evidence Based Practices and more leadership interactive activities.
By identifying these needs, the coordinator will be able to assure that more research information on Mental Health issues is included next year. In addition, he has noted that he will need to adequately define Evidence Based Practices and assure that the delivery of information presented touches on its relevance to all spectrums of the criminal justice system, including juvenile justice.
Objective
Effective Training With Jail Management & Operations For Chief Deputies
To provide effective training in corrections to individuals in chief deputy roles throughout Texas. The purpose of this program is to educate Chief Deputies on the overall structure and operations of the county jail. The program also allows participants to network with other individuals with their positions in other counties across the state.
Indicator
Program Assessment
Program evaluation conducted at the completion of the training by the program participants. Participants rate each session of the program based on a 5.0 scale. Each area of the evaluation has room for individual participant comments which gives greater depth of knowledge about the ratings. Participants also provide feedback informally throughout the program to the program coordinator, who takes this informal information into consideration.
Criterion
4.0-Plus Satisfaction Rating
Obtain an average score above 4.0 on a 5.0 scale together with written participant comments on a formal evaluation.
Finding
Exceeded Satisfaction Rating
The Jail Management & Operations for Chief Deputies Program exceeded the 4.0 satisfaction rating based on formal participant evaluations. The program obtained an overall score on "Curriculum adequately met my expectations and requirements" of 4.70 and individual speaker ratings were all above the 4.0 rating mark.
Criterion
Satisfactory Evaluation
The project coordinator, using her knowledge of past successful programs, evaluates the program throughout the week. She will also base her findings on informal participant comments and suggestions that may not be found on formal evaluations.
Finding
Satisfactory Evaluation
The program was found to have a satisfactory evaluation by the project coordinator through informal observations and participant feedback.
Action
Program Schedule TBD
The purpose of this program was to educate Chief Deputies on the overall structure and operations of the county jail. he program also allowed participants to network with other individuals with their positions in other counties across the state.
The overall goals of this program were to "be recognized for excellence" and "provide windows of opportunity". As indicated, the participants of this program enjoyed the variety of topics, enjoyed the networking opportunities, and received knowledge they could take back and use in their office. By offering this program for the first time (a program that does not have an equal in the state), CMIT took advantage of an opportunity and educated the chief deputies on jail operations and management - something which before had never formally been done.
Although successful, this program is pending rescheduling due to funding.
Action
Class Time Extension With Additional Topics
In the formal evaluations, participants recommended that the class be longer because many topics were rushed or not completely discussed. They also wanted to be presented with information on building new jails. If/when the next class is held, the program would ideally be lengthened to include additional or more in-depth topics.
Objective
Provide Effective Training Through The 6th Annual Juvenile Sex Offender Management Conference
To provide effective training to individuals who supervise or treat juvenile sex offenders in a variety of roles and agencies throughout the state of Texas.
Indicator
Program Evaluation
Program evaluation conducted at the completion of the training by the program participants. Participants rate each session of the program based on a 5.0 scale. Each area of the evaluation has room for individual participant comments which gives greater depth of knowledge about the ratings. Participants also provide feedback informally throughout the program to the program coordinator, who takes this informal information into consideration.
Criterion
4.0+ Satisfaction Rating
Obtain an average score above 4.0 on a 5.0 scale together with written participant comments on a formal evaluation.
Finding
4.0+ Satisfaction Rating
The Juvenile Sex Offender Management Conference exceeded the 4.0 expectation. The conference received an overall rating of 4.45. The overall satisfaction rating for the eighteen speakers invited to participate in the conference was 4.72.
Criterion
Satisfactory Informal Evaluation
The project coordinator, using her knowledge of past successful programs, evaluates the program throughout the week. She will also base her findings on informal participant comments and suggestions that may not be found on formal evaluations.
Finding
Informal Evaluation
The conference was found to have a satisfactory evaluation by the project coordinator through informal observations and participant feedback.
Action
Suggested Topics/Speaker
In the informal evaluations, the participants recommended a variety of topics and speakers for the future conferences. In setting the agenda for future conferences we will reference these comments to ensure we meet the needs of our participants.
Action
More Networking Time
The participants commented that the networking opportunities afforded during the day and during breaks were minimal, and suggested that some evening social events be arranged, providing more time to interact.
Action
Next Program Scheduled
The purpose of this conference was to provide training to the field working with juvenile sex offenders. The participants present ranged from probation officers, law enforcement officers, school counselors, therapists to social workers. Our goal was to work with the state agencies to show that although we work in different fields our common purpose is to help these offenders. The overall goal of this conference was to “be recognized for excellence”. As indicated in the evaluations the conference organization and operation was rated a 4.73. The participants enjoyed the numerous breakout sessions offered and that the conference allowed for treatment providers to obtain all the victim, sex offender and ethics hours required to renew their licenses.
This conference will continue next year with CMIT hosting and co-sponsoring the 26th Annual National Adolescent Perpetration Network Conference.