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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.
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