Creating and Measuring a Healing Environment in Corrections

• In Event: Reentry Research: Findings and Implications from Four Studies

Abstract

In 2011, the National Institute of Corrections and the Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) launched a joint workforce transformation initiative to implement operational practices (e.g., leadership development and coaching; dialogue circles; training on evidence-based practices, etc.) to create a “healing environment” throughout the Virginia DOC. The Healing Environment Initiative (HEI) is designed to foster positive change and growth for both employees and offenders, and ultimately promote safer communities. Beginning in 2012, the Urban Institute conducted an annual department-wide staff survey to measure workforce knowledge of, involvement in, and support for the HEI and to explore HEI impact on DOC operations and staff attitudes toward reentry and offenders. Performance data on key operational indicators were also collected. This presentation explores the Virginia DOC’s HEI implementation experience, presents findings from analysis of all three staff surveys and relevant performance data, and discusses their significance for the HEI.

Authors

• Janeen Buck Willison, Urban Institute

• W.D. Jennings, Virginia Department of Corrections

• Shelli Rossman, Urban Institute

• Samuel Bieler, Urban Institute