At the Core of Being a Helper: How Engagement with Crime Victims, Supervisees, and their Families Can Impact the Mental Health and Wellness of Post-Conviction Criminal Justice

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4:15 PM - 5:45 PM

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The mission of the United States Parole Commission (USPC) is to promote public safety and strive for justice and fairness in the exercise of its authority to release and revoke offenders under its jurisdiction. Professionals that serve in post- conviction agencies akin to the USPC, can interface on a direct and/ or indirect level with supervisees, families, and survivors or crime victims. While persons may not present in crisis or in need of immediate assistance, the nature of post-conviction has many layers. Often left out is that of the experience of the criminal justice professional—or helper, who is a key component to the success of supervisees returning to the community. Post-conviction criminal justice professionals (i.e. parole officers, analysts, community supervision officers, victim services advocates) play a vital role in ensuring public safety. Actions associated with the collective efforts of all persons often include providing information, referral and resources to victims and supervisees, alike; and, monitoring and/or making a determination relating to administrative or law violations for low to high risk offenders, accounting for state, federal, or local statutes, policies, administrative regulations and appropriate protocol/practices (i.e. documenting supervisee contacts, completing revocation documentation, etc.). All the above can be overwhelming, often the mental health and wellness of the professional(s) not being considered. This workshop will focus attention on identifying types of trauma, defining self-care, mental health and wellness strategi