Trauma-Informed Training and Implementation Support for Probation/Parole Officers Supervising High-Risk Caseloads

People involved in the criminal justice system have significantly higher rates of trauma exposure compared to the general population. Evidence suggests these rates are even higher among those convicted of sex offenses or domestic violence, gang-involved individuals, and people with mental illnesses. Trauma exposure can negatively affect cognitive and psychological functioning and lead to behaviors and cognitions associated with criminogenic risk factors, such as impulsivity and antisocial behavior, leading to higher rates of incarceration. However, emerging evidence suggests that focusing on trauma-informed approaches can promote desistance and reduce recidivism. Given the high rates of trauma among people in the criminal justice system and the link between trauma, crime, and desistance, NC DAC is implementing the North Carolina Trauma-Informed Engagement and Supervision project (NC TIES) which will be provided to approximately 325 probation/parole officers who supervise security risk group (SRG; gang-involved individuals), domestic violence (DV), and sex offense (SO) caseloads. The goals of the project are to: (1) Enhance the capacity of PPOs to use trauma-informed engagement supervision with individuals on their caseloads, and (2) Improve the quality of the supervision relationship between PPOs and supervisees (e.g., trust, caring, and fairness).In order to ensure that PPOs have the capacity to implement NC TIES and improve the quality of supervision, we will first offer a comprehensive trauma-focused training and sustainability curriculum to all officers who supervise SRG, DV, and SO caseloads. This training will be specific to the roles and responsibilities of probation/parole officers and tailored to their unique experiences, especially as it relates to supervising specialty caseloads. Additionally, the training will integrate the scientific research on trauma, particularly drawing from neuroscience, and apply these concepts to criminal behavior, desistance, and corresponding supervision practices that ensure public safety. In addition to this training, NC DAC will provide implementation support to officers by ensuring that supervisors in each of the districts participate in the training and subsequently implement ongoing implementation meetings. NC DAC will also work with our evaluation partners to implement resource engagement meetings with local providers. These meetings will promote linkage to services and supports for people on the caseloads because evidence shows that desistance efforts rely on a person’s engagement with supports, including formal supports systems.NC DAC has completed the pre-implementation and planning process and is now ready to begin the training, sustainability, and lear