TWO WAYS TO EXPERIENCE THIS HYBRID TRAINING INSTITUTE!

APPA’s training institute delivers a comprehensive learning experience designed to support professionals across all levels of community supervision. Through a wide range of accredited workshops, focused intensive sessions, and both in-person and virtual options, attendees can tailor their experience to meet their professional development goals.

Ahead of the training institute’s opening, APPA offers intensive sessions, which are extended, four-hour trainings held on Sunday, August 16, 2026. These sessions provide participants with the opportunity to explore specific topics in greater depth and offer a more focused learning environment for those seeking to build skills and engage more deeply with key issues in the field.

What IN-PERSON attendees receive:

Access to 80+ accredited workshops covering pretrial, probation, and parole practices
Entry to featured plenary sessions with nationally recognized speakers
A half-day of intensive sessions focused on specialized policies, programs, and practices
Signature experiences, including the Community Corrections Chase (C3) and Women’s Symposium
Structured networking opportunities designed to build lasting professional connections
Optional tours and community service projects connected to the host city
Full access to the Expo Hall, showcasing leading products, services, and solutions in community supervision

What VIRTUAL attendees receive:

To provide flexibility for attendees, all virtual event offerings will be available as pre-recorded sessions; live streaming options will not be offered.

On-demand access to a curated selection of accredited workshop recordings
Access to a virtual exhibitor area featuring products, services, and resources
Opportunities to earn certification and continuing education credits
Access to a bonus library of previously released webinars and workshop sessions
Expanded digital learning including e-learning modules, micro-animated series, and masterclasses

Continuing Education Credits

APPA supports your continuing education needs!

Flexible Credit Opportunities

Whether attending in-person or virtually, participants can earn certificates of attendance, APPA Contact Hours, and continuing education credits to support your professional development.

In-person attendees receive full access to both on-site sessions and virtual on-demand content, expanding opportunities to earn credits across multiple formats
Virtual attendees can engage with pre-recorded and on-demand sessions, allowing for flexible participation while still earning continuing education credits

The American Probation and Parole Association is committed to supporting professional and personal growth through a wide range of educational offerings. Our training institutes feature workshops, symposiums, and other educational sessions designed to help individuals build customized learning paths. Most sessions have been approved for credit hours. Continuing education is available through APPA contact hours, as well as partnerships with the Ohio Chief Probation Officers Association and California’s Board of State and Community Corrections.

Join us this summer in Chicago for a comprehensive learning experience designed to support professionals across community supervision. Whether participating in person or virtually, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with field leaders, gain practical knowledge, and connect with peers working to advance community corrections.

Justify My Attendance

In-Person Sessions

COB Approved Sessions

Registration Form

*To register by Email, Mail, or Fax, download registration form. (Required for PO Payments)

MONDAY PLENARY

Monday, August 17 | 10:15 AM - 11:45 AM

Iason Nachkebia

Iason Nachkebia is the Head of the Analytical Department at the National Agency for Crime Prevention, Execution of Non-Custodial Sentences and Probation under the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. In his current role, Iason oversees the agency’s research and analytics, policy and capacity development, and international relations. Since 2023, he has been a member of the Expert Group on Technology at the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) and since 2025, a member of the International Relations Committee of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA). Before joining the agency in 2021, Iason held managerial positions in the Strategic Communications Department of the Ministry of Defense of Georgia. He is a graduate of Tbilisi State University, the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, and the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

Dr. Ioan Durnescu

Dr. Ioan Durnescu is a professor at the University of Bucharest's Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, where he engages in the teaching and research of probation, prison reform, and deradicalization. His academic interests are deeply rooted in the comparative study of probation systems, the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals, and the development of effective interventions with justice-involved persons.

Julie Truschel

Julie Truschel, CEO/Founder of Supervision Around the World (SAW) Project leads the SAW Project , which connects and documents community supervision and restorative programs across continents. Her research highlights practical models of Compassionate Justice, bridging global innovation with frontline practice. She also chairs the International Relations Committee of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA).

What Travels Well in Probation? Global Lessons, Practical Ideas & Transformative Practices

As community supervision agencies across the world navigate increasingly complex challenges, opportunities continue to emerge through global collaboration, shared learning, and the exchange of practical ideas across borders.

This APPA international plenary brings together probation and parole leaders from multiple countries for an engaging moderated conversation exploring the innovative practices, leadership philosophies, and day-to-day approaches shaping community supervision efforts around the globe. Moderated by Julie Truschel, CEO and Founder of the Supervision Around the World Project, the discussion will focus on practical lessons and transformative ideas that may “travel well” across agencies, cultures, and systems.

Through candid discussion and storytelling, panelists will explore topics such as officer wellness, staff development, rehabilitation initiatives, organizational culture, compassionate justice, morale-building, and the realities of supporting both professionals and justice-involved individuals in evolving correctional environments.

Designed to be interactive, practical, and thought-provoking, attendees will leave with fresh perspectives, actionable ideas, and a renewed appreciation for the shared mission connecting community supervision professionals worldwide.

APPA's 2026 Women's Symposium

Sustainable Leadership – Empowered Women, Balanced Lives, Stronger Communities

Monday, August 17 | 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM

The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) invites female community corrections professionals to be part of an inspiring and empowering experience at the 5th Annual Women’s Symposium, a special one-day event to be held during the 51st Training Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Designed to bring together like-minded women in community corrections, this free, dynamic symposium will help participants visualize their full leadership potential; develop practical strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance; and assess their career paths while creating realistic plans for future personal and professional growth.

Space is limited to just 100 attendees, so mark your calendar to join a powerful network of career-driven women, engage in meaningful presentations, and gain valuable insights on expanding your professional network, strengthening communication skills so your voice is heard and respected, mapping out career mobility, and developing a personalized leadership action plan. Attend the symposium dressed in PURPLE (optional) because, as you know, purple is a symbol of wisdom, power, creativity, and spirituality. Come to the symposium to engage in introspection; leave reinvigorated, inspired, and equipped with strategies to pursue your goals and embrace the limitless possibilities ahead.

Pre-registration is required.

Registration for Women's Symposium is FREE. The cost is included in the Institute's registration fee. If you wish to attend this event, please select "Women's Symposium" under "Optional Event" when you register. If you experience any issues registering for the Women's Symposium, please contact Corrie Ash, APPA's Administrative Assistant by email or by phone at 859-244-8053.

Learn More

Special Documentary Screening

Being Michelle: What is the Basic Human Right to Communication for Deaf, Deaf+, and Disabled People in Our Social and Criminal Justice Systems?

Learn More About Being Michelle

Synopsis: A deaf woman with autism who survived incarceration uses her artwork todepict the trauma she endured and heal from her past.

Runtime: 80 min documentary film

Learning points:

The basic human right to communication is often denied Deaf, Deaf+ and Disabled individuals in social and criminal justice systems.
Deaf and Disabled people need timely, individualized communication access at every stage of a system, not just a generic accommodation.
Miscommunication can be life-altering and can lead to wrongful assumptions, trauma, isolation, and unjust outcomes.
Systems need to be trauma-informed and intersectional, recognizing that disability, communication, race, gender, and past trauma can compound risk.

Screening Time on Monday, August 17th:

Screening #1: 12:30 PM – 01:50 PM
Screening #2: 02:00 PM – 03:20 PM
Screening #3: 03:30 PM – 04:50 PM

Producer

MAE THORNTON MEHRA

Producer, Being Michelle

MAE THORNTON MEHRA has been producing social justice and impact driven films with her husband and filmmaker, Atin Mehra at Orange Kite Productions for over 15 years. She prides herself on openly creative collaborations between film participants and diverse production teams as she believes that impact begins within the filmmaking process itself. In 2020, Mae and Atin co-founded the nonprofit Thriving Roots Initiative to further their work of social impact documentary filmmaking. Mae is Producer on BEING MICHELLE (2022), a documentary film that is helping to change the way Deaf and Disabled people are treated in criminal justice systems in the US and globally.

While BEING MICHELLE raises many pertinent issues faced both by Michelle and a large population in the US and globally, our team is passionate about specifically using the film to help ensure the basic human Right to Communication for Deaf and Disabled people in social and criminal justice systems.

Watch Trailer

Judicial Roundtable

Tuesday, August 18 | 12:30 PM - 03:30 PM

During the training institute, APPA will host a Judicial Roundtable. This no-cost roundtable is a unique and highly valuable forum designed exclusively for members of the judiciary. It offers a rare opportunity to directly engage with judicial peers from across the country in meaningful dialogue about emerging issues, practical challenges, and the evolving responsibilities shaping today’s justice system. Convened as part of APPA’s Annual Training Institute, this session fosters a collaborative environment where judges can exchange perspectives and deepen their understanding of the judiciary’s pivotal role in community supervision and successful reentry.

Through facilitated discussion participants will examine critical topics related to judicial engagement with probation and parole systems. The roundtable places particular emphasis on developing realistic and effective supervision conditions while balancing accountability with strategies that promote long-term stability and success. These conversations are candid, solutions-oriented, and relevant to the day-to-day decisions judges make on the bench.

Judges who attend consistently report leaving with practical insights, strengthened professional networks, and renewed perspective on how collaborative approaches can enhance public safety while improving outcomes for individuals under supervision. Your voice and experience would be an important addition to this dialogue.

● Exclusive Peer Network: Connect directly with fellow judges from across the country in an environment designed strictly for the judiciary.
● Candid Solutions: Participate in unscripted, solutions-oriented discussions regarding the real-world challenges you face daily on the bench.
● Actionable Insights: Walk away with practical strategies to design realistic supervision conditions that balance strict accountability with long-term stability.
● Enhance Public Safety: Discover how innovative, collaborative community supervision strategies directly improve regional reentry outcomes.
● Zero Cost: Benefit from a highly valuable, elite educational forum offered at no registration cost to members of the judiciary.

Community Corrections Chase (C3)

Tuesday, August 18 | 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM

University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute Pop-up Sessions

UCCI’s mission is to research, develop, disseminate, and implement evidence-based practices in corrections.

Session One | Monday, August 17 | 11:50 AM – 12:10 PM

Belief in Change: What Our Everyday Actions Communicate

With Dr. Mindy Smith, Executive Director, and Jen Scott, Director of Innovation and Outreach, from UCCI

Big Idea
Everyday words and actions communicate a belief in the possibility of change.

Description
What do our interactions signal about people, power, and possibility? This pop-up invites correctional professionals to examine how everyday words and actions communicate belief—or doubt—in the capacity for change. Through shared real-world examples, we’ll explore how aligning mindset, organizational conditions, and evidence based practice can strengthen impact, support growth for staff and clients, and advance safer, more effective systems. A belief in change carries real power, and how we exercise it—especially in ordinary moments—shapes whether learning and change are possible.

Pre-work QR code/link
Pop-up QR

Agenda
– Share results of the survey
– Share a couple quick case studies
– Invite the group to share their case studies

Take away
A belief in change is a powerful tool, and aligning mindsets with this power can start to impact the work tomorrow.

Session Two | Tuesday, August 18 | 12:20 PM – 12:40 PM

From Belief to Practice: Creating Learning Environments Where EBPs Work

With Dr. Mindy Smith, Executive Director, and Jen Scott, Director of Innovation and Outreach, from UCCI

Big Idea
Evidence‑based practices only work when the environment supports learning, practice, feedback, and adjustment.

Description
Change is not just an individual act—it’s an environmental one. Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are often introduced as tools for staff to implement and clients to complete and/or comply with. When implementing EBPs, it can be easy to overlook conditions needed for people to learn, practice, and improve. Without these conditions, even the strongest tools will lose their impact. This popup invites professionals to reframe EBPs not as tools or techniques alone, but as practices that require bringing life through words and actions a belief that people can change. Together, we’ll explore how everyday environmental signals—such as consistency, psychological safety, feedback, and responses to mistakes—either support or undermine the use of evidence-based practices and change. Through real-world examples and brief reflection, the session highlights how belief in change must be embedded in the environment for EBPs to move beyond checklists and into meaningful practice. From here, we can begin to understand how learning conditions grounded in a belief in change make evidence-based practice possible, sustainable, and real.

Agenda
– Value in aligning mindset with belief that people can change
– EBP–Environment Bridge (psychological safety, consistency & predictability, feedback that teaches, response to mistakes)
– Activity: Same EBP, two environments
– Reflect on which environment encourages greater impact

Take away
The power of belief in change shapes meaningful learning environments required for evidence-based practices to work.

First Time Attendees Networking Event

Sunday, August 16 | 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM

First Time Attendees Networking Event Atlanta

New to APPA training institutes or APPA in general? You are in good company at the First-Time Attendees Networking Event. Connect with other first-time attendees, learn more about APPA, and engage in a relaxed environment. Light refreshments will be provided.

Yoga and Breathwork

Monday, August 17 | 06:30 AM – 07:30 AM & 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM

Tuesday, August 18 | 06:30 AM – 07:30 AM & 12:20 PM – 01:20 PM

Join retired Judge Victor Reyes for a gentle yoga and breathwork session designed to help participants reduce stress, increase focus, and build resilience. Drawing on his experience teaching mindfulness practices to judges, justice professionals, trauma survivors, and incarcerated individuals, Judge Reyes will guide attendees through simple movements and breathing techniques that can be incorporated into everyday life. No prior yoga experience is necessary, and all ability levels are welcome.

Faculty

Ret. Judge Victor Reyes

Judge Victor Reyes served as a District Judge in the 10th Judicial District located in Pueblo, Colorado, from January 1999 until his retirement on December 31, 2014, Prior to the appointment, he served as a Deputy State Public Defender from 1984 until 1999. He is a graduate of Emory University and Georgetown University Law Center. He provides national and international training in mindfulness for Judicial Officers, and other community members. Victor participates in nationwide trainings and roundtables on several issues related to domestic violence. He has taught to Judges, lawyers, probation officers, parole officers, behavioral therapist and legal communities in the United States, Ukraine, Korea, Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom. He also has taught on judicial integrity with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and resilience with the United States Army. Judge Reyes currently leads classes in yoga, meditation and ethics for the Federal Correctional Institution, United States Penitentiary (STAGES Program), ADMAX and Federal Camp at FCI Florence in Colorado. He facilitates discussions on issues related to self-respect and self-compassion at the Youth Offender System and La Vista Correctional Facility Colorado Department of Corrections.

HEALTHY WALKING CHALLENGES

Monday, August 17 & Tuesday, August 18

Grab a friend and participate in the Healthy Walking Challenges during non-training institute hours on Monday and Tuesday in Chicago! Hit your stride – push yourself to reap the many health benefits of walking. Walking can help you maintain a healthy weight by burning calories and toning and strengthening muscles; increase cardiovascular and pulmonary (heart and lung) fitness; reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke; improve management of conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, joint and muscular pain or stiffness, and diabetes; and build stronger bones and improve balance.

Come on – embrace your fitness through walking – aim to walk a mile in 30 minutes!

30-Minute Mile Instructions

Challenges will take place on:

Monday, August 17th at 6:30 am
Tuesday, August 18th at 6:30 am
Tuesday, August 18th at 12:15 pm

Fifteen minutes prior to start time, meet APPA’s Project Coordinator, Delores Johnson, at the Local Host Table to pick up the walking route instructions.
Use your electronic device to monitor your distance and time.
Within 45 minutes of the start time, return to the Local Host Table to verify your accomplishment and claim your achievement medal.

5TH Career and Resource Fair for Justice-Involved Individuals

Wednesday, August 19 | 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM

Co-Host
Honest Logo

The American Probation and Parole Association and Honest Jobs are proud to host the Fifth Career & Resource Fair for Justice-Involved Individuals. Employers and community-based service providers are invited to participate in this impactful, no-cost event.

Dennis Maloney Project

UCAN Chicago

UCAN strengthens communities by supporting youth and families, offering a continuum of services for over 150 years. UCAN’s expertise spans youth in care, youth development, mental health, therapeutic schools, workforce development, and violence prevention and intervention.

UCAN’s primary clients are youth in care of the state child welfare system and youth who have been removed from their homes for reasons of abuse or neglect. We also work with the families of these children to enhance the full spectrum of support. UCAN provides a continuum of care which enables clients to move from one program to another as their needs change, sparing our youth the transitions and gaps caused by moves from one agency to another.

UCAN’s programs are guided by a Clinical Philosophy and united under a cohesive approach for treating our clients who are challenged by their histories of trauma. Our objective is to provide a consistent approach for serving our youth and families. We empower them by meeting them where they are and building upon their strengths, encouraging their sense of independence, and instilling hope for their futures.

Every dollar helps UCAN bring meaningful programming to more youth and families who have suffered trauma.

Cancellation Policy

In-Person: A full refund, less a $50 processing fee, is available until June 1, 2026. No refunds will be issued after June 1, 2026. To receive a refund, written requests must be sent to the APPA training institute, in care of The Council of State Governments, 1776 Avenue of the States, Lexington, KY 40511, or by emailed to Corrie Ash. All requests for refunds must be postmarked or emailed by June 1, 2026. Registrants with an outstanding balance as of this date are still responsible for payment in full. Registrants with any outstanding invoices or unpaid balances must remit full payment prior to check-in; failure to do so will result in denial of entry to the training institute. Substitutions may be made at no additional charge.
Virtual: Due to the cost of the virtual training institute platform, no refunds will be issued.
Exhibitors: For booths cancelled in writing by June 24, 2026, 50% of the full payment may be refunded. After June 24, 2026, no refunds will be issued, and previously paid amounts will not be applied to any future APPA exhibit shows or other marketing opportunities. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by email to: Darlene Webb, APPA's Director of Operations.