Can Prison Visitation Reduce Recidivism?

A study funded by the National Science Foundation will explore if prison visitation can help reduce recidivism rates and whether there are gender, racial, and ethnic differences in these patterns.

Motivational Interviewing Training Academy

A Collaborative Effort with Correctional Management Institute of Texas (CMIT) & members of Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), bring you

MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING
TRAINING ACADEMY
An Intense Two-Phase Training for Juvenile and Adult Probation Officers and Parole Officers

The Correctional Management Institute of Texas in collaboration with members of Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), is pleased to announce the upcoming Motivational Interview Training Academy (MITA), which will begin September 2015.

MITA, previously a three-phase training for juvenile and adult probation officers, is now offered as an intense two-phase training (three days each with a three month intersession) delivered by three MINT Certified Instructors, Greg Sumpter (Tarrant County Juvenile Services), Susan Orendac (Harris County Juvenile Services) and Mark Asteris (Jefferson County CSCD). This is an incredible training opportunity and value for staff and jurisdictions interested in implementing, strengthening, and sustaining motivational interviewing. Participants who complete MITA are able to provide training within their jurisdiction with the implementation of motivational interviewing.

Both Phase One and Phase Two are scheduled at the George J. Beto Criminal Justice Center at Sam Houston State University. During the three month intersession, participants will be have the ability to submit four Motivational Interviewing tapes for coding and coaching feedback.

The three month intersession will include the ability for participants to submit four Motivational Interviewing tapes for coding and coaching feedback. The three month intersession will include submission of four Motivational Interviewing tapes for coding and coaching feedback.

PROGRAM DATES
Phase One: September 14 - 16, 2015 | Phase Two: January 20 - 22, 2016
Intersession will include the ability to send in 4 audio tapes for coding, feedback, and coaching.

Fee: $850 - includes all training, materials, feedback and coaching.
Lunches are included during the two residential phases.

For more information about MITA or to view upcoming training opportunities,
please visit www.cmitonline.org.

Program Contact: Michaelanne Teeters (mteeters@shsu.edu) or call (936) 294-1701.
Interested individuals can apply at www.cmitonline.org.
Deadline for applications is November 10, 2014.

Networking Wardens and Staff at CMIT

After almost six years with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), Ashley Koonce has found her way into program coordination at the Correctional Management Institute of Texas (CMIT), serving wardens, senior level staff, the Association of Paroling Authorities International (APAI), and the Annual Gangs Conference.

Professor Investigates Parent-Child Visitation in Prison

It’s not “cupcakes and lollipops” for most children who visit a parent in prison, with two-thirds reported to have negative experiences including fear, anger, anxiety, and related reactions, according to a study funded by the National Institute of Justice by Dr. Melinda Tasca of Sam Houston State University.

Scholarships Support Future Corrections Leaders

Capt. Micheal Bates and Natalie Isaac are the recipients of the 2015 scholarships from TDCJ and CMIT.

Two up-and-coming supervisors at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) received joint scholarships from the agency and the Correctional Management Institute of Texas (CMIT) to help advance their careers.

Michael Bates, a Captain at the Ellis Unit, and Natalie Isaac, Program Supervisor V of the Counsel Substitute Program, will begin the Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management program this fall.

“I am ecstatic and truly blessed,” said Isaac. “I am still on Cloud Nine. This is a huge accomplishment for me.” Both scholarship recipients plan to continue their careers with TDCJ and hope to parlay their degrees into top positions in the state agency.

Lyons Named Criminal Justice Dean, Director

Phillip Lyons, professor of criminal justice at Sam Houston State University, has been named dean of the university’s College of Criminal Justice and director of its affiliated Criminal Justice Center, effective Sept. 1.

The announcement was made today by SHSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Jaimie Hebert.

“As we embark on a new chapter in the college, I am confident that Dr. Lyons will work to ensure the continued success of the college and center and will develop a comprehensive strategy that incorporates the diverse strengths and aspirations of the faculty and staff,” he said.

Helping Juveniles at the Crossroads of Texas

Pama Hencerling

After nearly 30 years of serving adult and juvenile probationers across the state, Alumna Pama Hencerling recently was presented the Amador R. Rodriguez Lifetime Achievement Award from the Juvenile Justice Association of Texas (JJAT).