The Case Management and Re-Entry Annual Conference usually brings more than 350 Indiana Department of Correction Re-Entry staff to the Correctional Training Institute (CTI) in New Castle, Ind. "With the present public health crisis the decision was made to try a virtual conference instead this year instead of postponing or canceling the event," noted Director of Case Management John Mather. "There was a lot of information needing to be distributed to the team, so delaying it any further was not an option," Mather added.
Instead of the normal three-day event, the conference was scaled down to one day, without any breakout sessions. SD&T staff were on hand to give logistical and technical assistance along the way. "The staff [at CTI] boosted our confidence that it could be done and helped us pull it off. They took the time to help with showing us how to use the equipment etc. They are always great at communicating with us and making sure we have what we need," Mather stated.
Due to the success of this virtual conference, Mather said they are already scheduling smaller group trainings to help reduce travel and avoid the risks associated with large gatherings during COVID-19. "The staff and deputy wardens involved in the virtual training gave excellent feedback," Mather said. "They appreciated being able to keep their staff at the correctional facility."
It was so successful other divisions in the Indiana Department of Correction are reaching out to get more information on how to host this type of conference. "We exceeded expectations," Mather said.
Case Management Staff kick off event with a humerous video and team building exercise.
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