The 2023 "State  of  the State of Corrections"  
​Summit

WEDNESDAY,
​MARCH 1, 2023

HOSTED AT THE ROUTE 9 Library & INNOVATION CENTER
3022 New Castle Avenue, ​New Castle, DE 19720

SUMMIT AGENDA

INEQUITIES IN HEALTHCARE FOR THE FORMERLY INCARCERATED
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

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Individuals enter the criminal justice system with a wide variety of healthcare needs, including a large number who struggle with untreated mental illness, substance abuse, chronic medical conditions, and traumatic lived experiences. When entering Department of Correction (DOC) custody individuals receive medical and behavioral healthcare screenings that identify needs for further clinical evaluation and guide placement in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment, mental health interventions, specialized care for chronic conditions, and other treatments. All incarcerated individuals have access to routine medical services, the full range of prescription medications, flu and COVID immunizations, and on-demand services through the sick call process. Yet we are aware that individuals who have been incarcerated have poorer healthcare outcomes compared to the public at large. How are these services impacting health outcomes and how are formerly incarcerated individuals enrolled in Medicaid, connected with a doctor, and transitioned seamlessly to continued healthcare treatment in the community upon release?  What barriers continue to persist? 

​During this panel, speakers will discuss healthcare services currently provided by DOC, the role of trauma-informed care, and the importance of continuity of care — especially mental health care — for reentering citizens. 

Barriers to Housing
​11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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Housing is one of the most fundamental needs for individuals returning to their communities after a period of incarceration. Formerly incarcerated individuals experience higher rates of homelessness and housing insecurity than the general population and that creates additional challenges that impacts recidivism. As Delaware grapples with limited availability of affordable and safe housing, special attention must be paid to the additional housing-related barriers faced by justice-involved individuals and families. 

​During this panel, speakers will discuss efforts underway to expand availability of short- and long-term housing for reentrants, preparation for housing needs prior to release, develop housing options for reentrants with special needs, and help formerly incarcerated individuals overcome the challenges of a criminal history, economic challenges, and other barriers to securing stable housing.

SHUT UP & LISTEN
1 P.M. - 2 P.M.

All too often, conversations about the justice system are led by people who have never spent a night behind bars. Decisions about how to reduce recidivism and transform our system of corrections should be informed by the people who have gone through the system and their loved ones and not just by what looks good on paper.

During this panel, speakers will share their personal experiences with the justice system. This discussion is not designed to be interactive; it will simply be an hour for decision makers to sit and listen to the people who have been most directly impacted by our justice system so that we can all learn how to improve.
RE-ENTRY WORKFORCE: OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
​2:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.
Today in Delaware and across the nation there are two open jobs for every job applicant, yet formerly incarcerated individuals continue to face persistent employment challenges in the community. As the needs of Delaware’s employers change how is the Department of Correction meeting this need by leveraging partnerships with the Delaware Department of Education, industry trade groups, and vocational training providers to connect the reentry workforce with access to adult basic education, degree programs, and certified training for in-demand jobs in the community? What more can be done to equip incarcerated individuals with marketable skills they can use to secure jobs and build meaningful careers upon re-entry?

​During this panel, speakers will explore these opportunities and challenges and will emphasize the importance of employers hiring justice-involved workers.

LEGISLATION ANNOUNCEMENT FROM SENATOR PINKNEY
​3:30 P.M. - 4 P.M.

Senator Marie Pinkney will be making an announcement about legislation to reform Delaware's probation and parole system. She will be joined by community advocates and available for press inquiries.
 Delaware State Senate Democratic Caucus, 2020.