Unmasking the Pandemic: Strategies for Effectively Managing High-Risk Alcohol Caseloads

SESSION INFO

Tuesday, August 24, 2021
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Session Type: Workshop

Due to COVID-19, 2020 was a year full of uncertainty, fear, and hardship for people around the globe. Incidents of domestic violence increased, alcohol consumption skyrocketed, and court cases were put on hold as the world shut down. This presented courts and agencies with challenges unlike any seen before. As the world begins to emerge from the chaos, courts must face the backlog of DUI/DWI, domestic violence, and other alcohol-related cases that COVID-19 has created. How can probation, parole, pretrial and community correction agencies respond appropriately to the increase in risk factors and caseloads in a way that improves outcomes, reduces recidivism, and keeps communities safe? For nearly 14 years, the Nebraska Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation (AOCP) has embraced an integrated approach to Treatment as Crime Control, using transdermal alcohol monitoring technology in conjunction with substance use evaluations and treatment, aimed at promoting tangible behavior change and better client outcomes. What can we learn from their experience and apply to the multitude of impacts from the pandemic? Join us for an interactive discussion with a special guest from the Nebraska AOCP, where we will discuss their innovative and comprehensive strategies for managing high-risk alcohol caseloads.

SESSION PRESENTERS

Renee Faber
Supportive Services Specialist, NE Supreme Court Office of Probation Administration


Renee Faber is the Supportive Services Specialist for Nebraska’s Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation. With nearly 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field, she has led and co-directed several federally and state-funded prevention, treatment and recovery initiatives throughout her career. In 2018, she was the recipient of the National Prevention Network Ketty Award in recognition of her leadership and outstanding contribution to the field of substance use prevention. Nebraska Probation also recognized Ms. Faber as a Rising Star in her current role in 2019. With a focus on technology, Ms. Faber is responsible for researching, developing and managing best practices for field-monitoring tools to enhance supervision strategies, the statewide drug-testing program and other non-clinical services for adults and juveniles. Ms. Faber earned her B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska and is an Army National Guard veteran.


Matthew Mitchell
President, MJM Solutions, SCRAM Systems


Matthew Mitchell is Director of Evidence-Based Programs for SCRAM Systems. He has been employed at SCRAM Systems for the past 17 years and works with key stakeholders within the government, academia, research, and special interest organizations that focus on alcohol misuse, crime, and technology solutions. Mitchell began his career in Cook County, IL, assigned to the Juvenile Probation Department, with many years spent in the Intensive Probation Supervision Unit before becoming supervisor of the Electronic Monitoring Unit. He also worked for the State of Colorado’s 2nd Judicial District Probation Department as an Adult Drug Court Officer and a Drug Court Program Supervisor. A Chicago native, Mitchell is a graduate of Cornell College, with a BA in Sociology and Anthropology, and he holds an MS in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati.


Daniel Pires
Statewide Manager of ELMO, MA Probation Service/MA Trial Court/Office of Commissioner of Probation


Daniel Pires is the Statewide Manager of Electronic Monitoring (ELMO) for the Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) and has worked within ELMO/MPS for the last 16 years. He is currently responsible for overseeing a 24 hour by 7-day operation with approximately 70 team members, which monitors more than 6,300 probationers/offenders/litigants utilizing the latest GPS and Remote Breath Alcohol technologies. Danny holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Providence College and a master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College.