Partnerships Benefit Corrections

By James A. Gondles, Jr., CAE

Executive Director

American Correctional Association

April 2008, Corrections Today

The poet John Donne once wrote, 'No man is an island.' This is true today for individuals as well as for organizations. More can be accomplished by working in partnership than by working alone. In other words, adult and juvenile correctional agencies can achieve more by partnering with other sectors of the criminal justice system, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations and private entities. Partnerships have become an integral part of the daily operations of jails, prisons and community corrections agencies. These partnerships can have financial and public safety benefits and can enhance the types of services provided to offenders.

ACA's Public Correctional Policy on Justice System Partnerships states, 'Correctional practitioners and other service providers should make every effort to collaborate with one another, law enforcement and the courts in ways that will improve the overall criminal and juvenile justice systems. This results in enhanced protection of the public, efficiency in handling offenders and long-range cost-effectiveness.' Entities sharing a common purpose or problem can develop new approaches that benefit all.

One of the authors in this issue, Gary Hinzman, states in his article beginning on page 46, '... shared power is more powerful than working in a vacuum.' Successful partnerships build relationships and draw upon the strengths of everyone involved. Different perspectives, skills and experiences bring various ideas and solutions to the table for the good of all parties.

Nonprofit and other organizations can provide many services inside facilities as well as in the community to aid in the successful reentry of offenders. Faith-based organizations; boys and girls clubs; and drug treatment, mental health, education and job training providers are just a few examples of the partners with which corrections can collaborate.

Partnerships or ventures with the private sector can provide services for offenders, such as health care, and food operations to institutions. This can save money and enable correctional agencies to remain focused on their core mission of rehabilitation and safety. Private-sector partnerships can also provide reentry services and job opportunities to ex-offenders upon their release. 

Partnerships within corrections, such as those between management and employee groups, focus on the safety of staff and the equality of benefits and wages afforded to staff. These coalitions can focus decision-makers' attention on correctional issues, leading to increased funding and greater awareness among politicians. 

Partnering is an ongoing process. Correctional agencies should periodically evaluate their partnerships to determine if they are successful and to identify areas in need of improvement. Many collaborations once considered unconventional have now become common criminal justice practices, including specialty courts, restorative justice and community policing.

AACA is also a partner with corrections. The education and training we offer provide staff with the tools necessary to be successful in their jobs. Our various publications focus on all areas of adult and juvenile corrections, including professional development, research and offender programs. ACA's standards and accreditation program works with correctional agencies to promote and evaluate best practices and measure performance. The Healthcare Profes-sional Interest Section brings together security and treatment professionals to discuss specific workplace challenges, including prevention and treatment strategies, that can foster innovative ideas and solutions to important issues in correctional health and security operations.

Also in this issue is information on ACA's election for officers and other governing bodies. Please take the time to vote in ACA's election and have a say in who will lead your association in the coming years. The full slate of candidates along with their bios and photos begins on page 76. Additionally, a ballot and return envelope are included with the magazine. Please fill it out and mail to us by June 15 to ensure that your vote counts. You can also vote online at https://www.esc-vote.com/aca2008 . I wish the best of luck to all the candidates and extend my heartfelt appreciation to them for their willingness to stand for election.