International Corrections and Prisons Association

Exciting developments in #AI for corrections! The Council of Europe's new recommendation sets standards for AI use in prisons and probation, focusing on transparency and human oversight. At our upcoming Correctional Technology Conference (CTC) in Bangkok, we'll dive deeper into these crucial topics. Join us to explore how we can leverage AI ethically in corrections, balancing innovation with human rights. Visit www.icpa.org to find out more! #CTC2024 #CorrectionalTechnology #EthicalAI #Corrections

October 10 is World Mental Health Day. ICPA invites all our members and partners to join us in reflecting on the significantly high rates of mental healthcare needs facing people in prison and under community supervision. Prison services are struggling to address this significant need and to recruit and retain the necessary, skilled mental health workers. We encourage each of you to take time to consider a diversity of approaches to responding to healthcare needs. To this end, we're pleased to share a recent presentation on an innovative approach to improving mental health support for people in custody. In this presentation, Natalie Parrett, Principal Forensic Psychologist, shares about the implementation and initial findings for a mental health text service for prisoners in the UK. The service, which is planned to be rolled out further in 2024, enables people in custody to seek immediate support for various issues, including stress, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts. This project demonstrates how technology can bridge the gap in mental health support within prisons. Let's continue to innovate and support those in vulnerable situations! Read more here: https://bit.ly/3U0TN8S. #WorldMentalHealthDay #PrisonMentalHealth #PrisonerMentalHealth #InnovationInCare #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness

Monthly resource from ICPA's Practice Transfer Advisory Committee is here! We're thrilled to announce our latest resource: The Parenting from Prison and Family Engagement presentation from #ICPA2024 is now available! Dive into innovative correctional practices with insights from Frank Porporino, Bob Goble, Seow Ling, and Viknesswari Nadarajan. Discover: - PTAC's role in promoting exemplary practices - Global survey findings on parenting from prison - Innovative examples from Canada and the UK - Singapore's Project Rekindle: Mending family relationships Access the presentation here: https://bit.ly/3NhSKh5! #ParentingfromPrison #CorrectionalInnovation #FamilyEngagement #PrisonReform

🌍 ICPA at AIPA: Shaping the Future of African Correctional Facilities! Last week, we had the privilege of attending the AIPA conference organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC, focusing on penitentiary infrastructure in Africa. Our European chapter representatives shared invaluable insights on creating effective prison systems that prioritize health, rehabilitation, and social reintegration. Key highlights: 🔹 Helena Queiroz Pombares, FHEA, our European chapter secretary, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on good prison infrastructure. Helena's presentation sparked engaging conversations about innovative approaches to prison design and management across different African contexts. She emphasized the importance of design in promoting inmate well-being and social reintegration. 🔹At the end of the conference, the head of the ICPA European chapter Kathleen Van De Vijver encouraged 14 African countries to join ICPA. Want to be part of this global network driving positive change in corrections? Visit our website to learn more about ICPA membership benefits: www.icpa.org! #ICPA #PrisonReform

Exciting news! The Yellow Ribbon Run in Czech Republic (YELLOW RIBBON RUN CZ) is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025! As we mark this incredible milestone, we're not just running - we're sprinting towards a more inclusive Europe. The Yellow Ribbon mission to give second chances to ex-offenders and their families, moving towards a safer, more compassionate society! Speaking of milestones, did you hear about the Yellow Ribbon Run in Singapore during our annual conference? An astounding 11,000 attendees joined in! Now, here's a challenge for all our European supporters: let's show the world that Europe stands united in giving second chances! Join Yellow Ribbon Run in June 2025 for an unforgettable run that's more than just a race - together, we can reduce recidivism and break down prejudices! #SecondChances #10YearsStrong #EuropeUnited https://lnkd.in/d399i42q

This week ICPA is attending AIPA (Atelier sur les Infrastructures Penitentiaires en Afrique) conference in Madagascar, organised by International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC. ICPA was kindly invited by ICRC and is being represented by our head of the European chapter, Kathleen Van De Vijver Van Der Vijver and the chapter secretary, Helena Queiroz Pombares, FHEA Pombares. The opening of the conference was marked by the Malagasy Minister of Justice Arsène Lainkana Andrianantenaina. Later on the day, Kathleen Van Der Vijver contributed to a great panel discussion with experts in strategic planification in prisons. The week is just starting and we look forward for the unroll of the rest of the week. #ICPA #AIPA #PrisonInfrastructure #Corrections #CriminalJustice #PrisonReform #StrategicPlanning #PenalReform

Prison Health is Public Health ⚕️🌎 Today the International Corrections and Prisons Association held a webinar on the intersection between prison health and public health. It was great to connect with over 50 people from around the world on this important topic. Thank you to Ivan Calder, the chair of ICPA’s Healthcare Network, for organising and guiding us through this webinar. And thanks to our speakers from ICRC, TB REACH, and the Mozambique Prison Service for your time and expertise. If you missed the webinar, it will be available on our website. 🎧

Unlock the Secrets of Prison Staff Excellence! Join us for a webinar on "Professionalization of Prison Staff: What is 'Enough'?" Discover how we can transform the lives of both prison officers and inmates. 📅 Date: 29 October 2024 🔍 Key Topics: • Norway's innovative recruitment and education process • Romania's 21st-century prison service challenges • Training excellence for complex correctional environments • Psychological impacts on prison staff and inmates 🎙️ Featuring Expert Speakers: 1. Dorin Muresan - Moderator, ICPA Staff Training and Development Network • Former senior prison officer with 32 years of experience • Expert in corrections, project management, and training 2. Kim Ekhaugen - Head of International Cooperation, Directorate of Norwegian Correctional Service • 30+ years of experience in Norwegian Correctional Service • Will discuss Norway's unique approach to prison officer education 3. Adrian Neagoe - Vice-president, Romanian Prison Policemen Trade Union • 25 years of experience in the prison service • Will address challenges and responses in the Romanian prison system 4. Doug Dretke - Director, Office of Comparative and International Education and Leadership, Sam Houston State University • 26 years with Texas Department of Criminal Justice • Will focus on empowering correctional officers through training 5. Craig Haney - Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz • Expert on psychological effects of prison environments • Extensive research on human rights in correctional settings Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from global experts and contribute to the future of prison staff professionalization! Free for ICPA members, register now: https://bit.ly/4dtV2oo! #PrisonReform #CorrectionalServices #ProfessionalDevelopment #ICPA

Transforming Prison Visitation for Children! Did you know that nearly 19,000 children in North Carolina have a parent in prison? 13 NC prisons are taking steps to make visitation spaces more child-friendly, recognizing the importance of maintaining parent-child relationships during incarceration. These changes aim to reduce trauma and support family bonds. Key highlights: ✅ Colorful murals, games, and comfortable seating are being added to visitation areas ✅ Staff are being educated on supporting positive parent-child interactions ✅ Changes are leading to more engaged visits between parents and children Warden Patricia Blackburn at Anson Correctional Institution: "If we can give them a story other than 'I went to prison to see my dad,' a story like, 'Me and my dad played Hungry Hungry Hippos,' that's a better story for that child." Read the full article to learn more about this inspiring initiative: https://bit.ly/3MSFC1N! #PrisonReform #FamilyConnections #ChildWelfare #PracticeTransferAdvisoryCommittee Image: Courtesy of Anson Correctional Institution. This mural, painted by people incarcerated at the Anson Correctional Institution's female visitation space, was one of several changes prison staff took to make the room more child-friendly.

Save the Date: ICPA 27th Annual Conference & AGM in Kigali, Rwanda, from 26-31 October, 2025! Corrections professionals, mark your calendars for an extraordinary event! The International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) is thrilled to announce its 27th Annual Conference and AGM, set against the backdrop of beautiful Kigali, Rwanda. Next year's theme, "Wellbeing in Corrections: Initiatives for Staff, Systems and Communities," promises to deliver groundbreaking insights and foster global collaboration. 🔑 Key Highlights: - Engage with world-renowned experts in corrections and rehabilitation - Participate in interactive workshops and thought-provoking panel discussions - Network with colleagues from across the globe - Gain exclusive insights into Rwanda's progressive correctional practices - Experience the rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality of Rwanda 🌍 Why Kigali? Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) is at the forefront of innovative rehabilitation programs. This is your chance to witness firsthand their transformative approach to corrections and reintegration. 👥 Who Should Attend? - Corrections professionals at all levels - Policymakers and government officials - Researchers and academics in criminal justice - NGOs and organizations working in offender rehabilitation - Technology innovators in the corrections sector Call for Papers, Registration and Accommodation details are coming soon. Follow us for updates and be part of this global corrections community: https://bit.ly/3MNP1aP! #ICPA2025 #CorrectionsWellbeing #KigaliConference #SaveTheDate #GlobalCorrections