From Homeless to Stability
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SESSION INFO

Wednesday, August 19, 2026
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Session Type: Workshop
Housing instability is one of the strongest predictors of recidivism among individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Research shows that individuals experiencing homelessness are significantly more likely to experience re-arrest, technical violations, and failure to appear in court. Despite this, many community corrections agencies lack structured, role-specific strategies to address homelessness within supervision practices. This interactive session equips Pretrial Investigators, Pretrial Probation Officers, and Post-Release/Probation Officers with practical, field-tested approaches to address housing instability as a core supervision strategy. Participants will learn how to assess housing risk, adapt supervision conditions, and implement stabilization-focused interventions that improve compliance and outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on cross-team collaboration, resource coordination, and realistic strategies that can be implemented immediately, even in resource-limited jurisdictions. Participants will leave with actionable tools to integrate housing-focused approaches into daily supervision and reduce recidivism.

SESSION PRESENTERS
Melissa Fanning
Training Coordinator, Hampton-Newport News Criminal Justice Agency


Melissa Fanning is a seasoned Training Coordinator with the Hampton–Newport News Criminal Justice Agency, bringing over 30 years of experience, including two decades dedicated to systems improvement. She specializes in training criminal law professionals in evidence-based practices, communication, and effective supervision strategies. Ms. Fanning holds a B.S. in Public Administration from Virginia Tech and an M.S. in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University. She has trained thousands of professionals statewide and has been a presenter for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for over a decade. Her work is driven by a commitment to strengthening outcomes for fathers, families, and communities impacted by the legal system.