Schedule A8 part 2 - MDOC STRATEGIC PLAN-FINAL.pdf

Transform Objective 4.2

Align department resources with offenders' risks and needs with a target date of September 30, 2022.

In order to efficiently, effectively, and safely deliver prisoner programming and treatment, the MDOC must ensure that it aligns resources with the needs of a dynamic prisoner population. The department will conduct a comprehensive review of prisoner-dependent aspects of its operation, including beds by custody level, special use beds, programming, education, and healthcare to ensure department resources appropriately match prisoner needs. In addition, the MDOC will develop protocols for continuously monitoring the changing needs of the prisoner population to ensure the necessary resources are in place to support the MDOC’s mission of offender success.

Objective 4.3

Re-evaluate and employ assessment instruments with a focus on reducing offender risk with a target date of September 30, 2020.

Programming is a key element in providing offenders with the tools they need to successfully return to society. Our risk assessment instruments help identify offender needs and the programs that will meet those needs. The MDOC recognizes that risk assessment instruments are continually updated and refined. Evaluation of our risk-assessment instruments will ensure that the department is continuing to employ the best evidence-based practices and remains a leader in the field of corrections.

Goal 5

Develop and implement strategies to effectively manage special populations

Objective 5.1

Establish a comprehensive action plan for the care and management of the mentally ill, aging, and disabled offender populations with a target date of September 30, 2021.

Caring for offenders with medical and mental health diagnoses and disabilities is challenging in a correctional environment. The MDOC recognizes the need to expand appropriate housing facilities, staffing resources, and equipment necessary to manage these special populations. A multi-disciplinary workgroup will be established and charged with researching and recommending potential physical plant facilities, identifying and resolving custody concerns, and researching and identifying clinical resources. These clinical resources may include staffing and equipment that may be necessary to provide a safe living environment for the aging and medically frail, mentally ill, and disabled offenders where their needs can be met.

Objective 5.2

Continue to safely reduce the use of segregation with a target date of June 30, 2019.

The MDOC will continue to develop and implement safe alternatives to segregation housing. The Assistant Deputy Director of Operations will develop a measurable plan to monitor the segregation population, long-term segregation and specialized housing to ensure proper placement.

Manage Objective 5.3

Expand strategies to better and more consistently manage Security Threat Groups with a target date of March 31, 2021.

The MDOC shall review the current strategies for the management of Security Threat Groups (STGs), otherwise known as gangs. Gang activity and membership are constantly evolving; therefore, continuous review of both internal and external best practices and incorporating the most effective methods to identify, track, manage, and sanction to deter this activity is required. An EPIC team will be created to establish a formal plan for the consistent management of Security Threat Groups.

Objective 5.4

Further develop strategies to manage the transgender population with a target date of December 31, 2020.

Transgender and other gender non-conforming offenders present unique management challenges for correctional institutions. The MDOC has developed policy and procedure for the management of prisoners; however, additional strategies need to be developed for the management of transgender and gender non-conforming offenders both in prison and on parole or probation, along with training for staff. The MDOC will develop a multi-disciplinary team to review current policy and procedures and will develop additional strategies to safely manage and care for this population.

Objective 5.5

Implement the Women's Huron Valley strategic plan with a target date of December 31, 2022.

In 2018, a Gender Informed Practice Assessment (GIPA) of the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility (WHV) was conducted, and from that, a strategic plan specific to the facility was created. That plan builds from the strengths and areas of improvement identified by the GIPA and encompasses and centers around making WHV a facility that is gender responsive, trauma-informed and evidence-based. The facility will also focus on recruiting and retaining well-trained staff, providing offenders with programs and opportunities to promote success, including the new Vocational Village, and ensuring there are high-quality physical and behavioral health services. MDOC leadership will assist and ensure the facility meets its goals and objectives contained in the plan.

Goal 6

Expand opportunities to achieve offender success for long-term public safety

Objective 6.1

Evaluate the effectiveness of offender programs and supervision strategies with a target date of March 31, 2022.

To remain a national leader in corrections and to ensure there is true adherence to evidence-based practices, it is critical that MDOC programming and supervision practices are regularly evaluated. The department is statutorily required to adopt evidence-based supervision practices and it is important that program curriculum and supervision strategies that have not been independently analyzed in Michigan by institutions of higher education or other qualified expert organizations be reviewed. The department will work to obtain outcome data, develop strategic partnerships with the expert community and commit resources to research innovative and emerging national corrections best practices.

Objective 6.2

Develop and implement a Medication Assisted Treatment program with a target date of June 30, 2020.

The opioid epidemic has increased the incidents of drugs in the prison system and overdose deaths in the community.

To address this epidemic, the MDOC will develop and implement a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program that may include the use of methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone as treatment regimens for offenders in prison and on parole/probation. MAT has been shown to reduce cravings for opioid and alcohol disorders. MAT along with additional substance abuse treatment services increases the likelihood of long-term recovery and may reduce recidivism. The team will develop a design and implementation plan for comprehensive substance use disorders treatment, including MAT, in consultation and collaboration with potential funders, partners and stakeholders, such as Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Achieve Objective 6.3

Expand the opportunities to foster offender success with a target date of September 30, 2019.

The MDOC is committed to protecting the public by providing offenders with positive opportunities for change and growth. Personal enrichment through education and other key programs is the nucleus of these efforts. Research demonstrates that a positive support system is crucial for offenders returning home. The MDOC shall assist by fostering family strategies and promoting positive relationships for successful family and community reintegration. The department shall form a diverse team of professionals to develop approaches for continued success as we lead the nation in Offender Success.

Enhance field supervision strategies Objective 7.1

Establish a mentoring program for parolees with a target date of September 30, 2020.

Mentors provide offenders the opportunity to change, encourage them during difficult times, model positive behavior and help develop pro-social and problem-solving skills. The department is committed to providing mentorship to parolees returning home, who are lacking this critical support system. To better align with evidence-based principles around mentorship, the Field Operations Administration (FOA) will develop a plan to accomplish this objective.

Objective 7.2 Further develop risk-based strategies to guide recommendations, supervision and resources with a target date of December 31, 2021.

The MDOC has implemented several strategies designed to target and reduce offender risk. However, additional development is needed in guiding the recommendations of field agents, utilization of agency resources and community supervision. The MDOC will develop evidence-based strategies to ensure recommendations to the courts and parole board, application of resources, and the supervision of offenders in the community, is guided by offender-specific risk.

Goal 7

Expand Objective 7.3

Expand investment in female offender programs with a target date of June 30, 2020.

The MDOC will expand its investment in community-based female offender programs, while acknowledging gender-based differences and the pathways through which females enter the criminal justice system. The department and local partners will provide services with an emphasis on addressing trauma and cognitive issues by utilizing evidence-based guiding principles specifically designed for the supervision and sanctioning of female offenders.

Programs will address risks and needs, while providing social support systems with a primary focus on achieving offender success.

Objective 7.4

Apply the offender success model to probation with a target date of March 31, 2021.

To build upon the many achievements of the Offender Success model, the MDOC will explore avenues to address offender needs and skill development, and generate opportunities for long-term self-sufficiency for probationers.

The MDOC will work with the judiciary, various community partners, and the Legislature to accomplish this objective with the goal of having an individual’s first contact with the criminal justice system be their last.