Description
This workshop will provide an overview of the trauma of incarceration and the challenges of re-entering society for formerly incarcerated people (FIP). According to the current US Census Bureau the United States has less than 5% of the world’s population, yet it has 23% of the world’s prison population. Imprisonment is costly to the nation with an annual cost of $60.3 billion and with an average cost of $24,000 per inmate. What happens when individuals complete their sentences and are released? FIP’s face an array of psychological when they attempt to transition from an institution back to their respective communities. The psychological challenges to successful re-entry are vast. This workshop will explore basic needs: stable housing, employment, and nourishment as well as psychological challenges related to substance abuse, mental health, social support, and identity formation in order to counter obstacles to successful re-entry. This workshop will explore the various traumas sustained in prison and how to help individuals obtain successful re-entry outcomes. Issues to be discussed include re-entry programs (with a focus on the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia), co-occurring disorders, implications for post-prison adjustment, support system, and racial disparities. This is an interactive workshop with case scenarios will be presented and discussed.
Instructor
Cruz and Associates
Ms. Cruz is a bilingual (Spanish/English) clinical and forensic social worker who has worked with children, adolescents, and families for over eighteen years. Ms. Cruz was employed for ten years as a forensic social worker at the Office of the Public Defender in Montgomery County. In addition, from 2000–2014 she worked as an emergency room and psychiatric social worker. She has extensive experience in inpatient psych and partial hospitalization psych programs. Ms. Cruz specializes in criminal defense mitigation, dual diagnosis, crisis intervention, addiction, trauma, and working with diverse ethnic groups.
Ms. Cruz is a graduate of the Catholic University of America with a B.A. in psychology and received her Master of Social Work, specializing in mental health and addiction, from the University of Maryland School of School Work. In 2014 she completed an advanced two-year post-graduate Forensic Social Work Certification through the University of Maryland Continuing Education Department. In 2008 she co-created the Forensic Social Work Committee for NASW and in 2010 became the sole chair, a position she maintained until 2016 when she resigned due to other professional obligations. She continues to advocate for legislative changes. Under her leadership, the committee successfully hosted two national forensic social work conferences and advocated for various legislative bills and reform. She maintains various professional memberships and affiliations.
Ms. Cruz is an Adjunct Professor:
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In 2016, Ms. Cruz joined the University of Maryland (Shady Grove) School of Social Work, teaching Advanced Trauma.
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In 2015, Ms. Cruz joined the Catholic University of America School of Social Work, teaching Advanced Ethics.
Bibliography & References
BIBLIOGRAPHY & REFERENCES
Agenda & Learning Objectives
AGENDA:
| 01:15 |
Registration |
| 01:15 - 03:00 |
Lecture:
|
| 03:00 - 03:15 |
Break |
| 03:15 - 04:30 |
Lecture (Continued)
- PowerPoint Presentation (Re-Entry Challenges and Solutions)
- Presentation Summary
- Questions & Answers
|
| 04:30 |
Questions & Adjournment |
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon the completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the trauma of incarceration and the psychological and psychosocial challenges of re-entry.
- Summarize and explore the overall psychological, psychosocial and developmental effects of detention/incarceration.
- Articulate the connection between psychological stability and social support in relationship to positive re-entry outcomes.
- Appraise key challenges to re-entry and learn to devise and implement a successful re-entry plan.
Late Fees and Refunds
Fee & Registration:
Cost is $65 and includes CE credit. Registering after November 19, 2021 will incur an additional $20 late fee. *Cancellations must be received 24 hours in advance prior to the live interactive webinar to receive a refund or a credit letter.
*All cancellations will be subjected to a $35.00 administration fee
Target Audience
Social Workers, LCPCs, and Psychologists
