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), Women’s Symposium, and Juvenile Justice Simulation
- 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.
*To register by Email, Mail, or Fax, download registration form. (Required for PO Payments)
Special Session
Innovative Problem-Solving by Implementing the Standards
Learn More About National Standards
The National Standards for Community Supervision (Standards) were developed to provide a comprehensive resource for community supervision agencies, drawing upon the latest research in the field and the perspectives of both practitioners and researchers committed to evidence-based practices. This session offers an opportunity for officers and agency leaders to review and brainstorm supporting resources that supplement the Standards, including quick reference guides that highlight essential elements of each standard and the Putting the National Standards Into Action: An Organizational Framework for Effective Community Supervision resource for agency considerations when implementing the Standards. To ensure the Standards are accessible, this session will include facilitated discussion around how standards are currently reflected in participants’ agency policy and procedure and what changes are needed to better embed standards into practice. Specifically, this session asks participants to consider resources needed to implement the Standards; questions agencies should discuss to anticipate challenges to implementation; and practical considerations around timeline and outcomes the agency might expect to observe from changes that are implemented. This session will forecast and solicit feedback about future in-person regional training and webinar opportunities designed to help agencies implement the Standards, as a step towards an accreditation process APPA plans to develop.
Learning Objectives:
● Develop a deeper understanding of each standard’s purpose and how to measure success.
● Understand how your agency’s current operations either in alignment with or departure from the Standards to identify areas of improvement.
● Brainstorm ways agency decision-makers and officers can implement each standard in a sustainable way.
● Outline implementation challenges and propose solutions that advance your agency’s consistent integration of the Standards into daily practice.
Speakers
Valerie Meade
Deputy Director, Crime and Justice Institute
Valerie Meade is a Deputy Director with the Crime and Justice Institute (CJI). Valerie brings nearly three decades of experience in the adult and youth justice field, with a robust background in both community and institutional settings. Her expertise encompasses cognitive-behavioral interventions, motivational interviewing, case management, model fidelity, staff development and continuous quality improvement. In her role as Deputy Director at CJI, Valerie oversees initiatives aimed at assisting jurisdictions with the sustainable implementation of evidence-based practices. She supports staff and stakeholders through culture change to foster improved outcomes. Valerie is dedicated to enhancing the quality of justice system programs and practices through collaborative efforts that lead to improved public safety. Valerie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri.
Caitlin Flood
Senior Policy Specialist, Crime and Justice Institute
Caitlin Flood has provided training and technical assistance to different jurisdictions working towards criminal justice reform through treatment courts and community supervision initiatives. Caitlin leads CJI’s community supervision and reentry work, assisting states with data-driven, evidence-based strategies to improve supervision outcomes. Caitlin is committed to improving the justice system through the use of data-driven approaches that reduce the reliance on incarceration, strengthen community supervision practices, and include diverse voices in planning and implementation work. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Government & Law and Philosophy from Lafayette College and her Juris Doctorate from New York University Law School.
First Time Attendees Networking Event
Sunday, August 16 | 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
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.
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
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.
Sponsored By:
Employers - If your organization is open to hiring individuals with criminal records, you are invited to reserve a complimentary recruitment table at the fair. This event provides an opportunity to connect with motivated, job-ready candidates from across the Chicago area. Many of the justice-involved individuals attending are already participating in job training, mentoring, counseling, and workforce development programs, helping to reduce onboarding time and training costs. Research shows that individuals given a second chance often become highly committed, reliable, and productive employees. Hiring justice-involved individuals is not only a socially responsible decision, but also a strategic one that can strengthen employee retention, support community stability, and contribute to long-term organizational success. Access to meaningful employment is a critical factor in successful reentry, and these candidates bring valuable skills, determination, and resilience to the workforce.
Community-based Service Providers - APPA welcomes community-based organizations that provide supportive services—such as housing assistance, job training, substance use treatment, veteran services, education programs, and other reentry resources—to participate in this no-cost career and resource fair. This event offers an opportunity to connect directly with justice-involved individuals seeking services that support their successful reentry. Access to housing, healthcare, employment support, and workforce training plays a critical role in helping individuals achieve long-term stability. By participating, your organization can help connect individuals with the resources they need to rebuild their lives and move toward stable employment and greater opportunities.
If you are interested in connecting with pre-screened Chicago-area individuals currently on probation or parole who are prepared to work and rebuild their lives, this event is for you. To reserve your spot, please contact APPA’s Project Coordinator, Delores Johnson, at djohnson@csg.org.
Join us in creating opportunities that strengthen businesses, support successful reentry, and build safer, more resilient communities.
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 Kimberly Mills. 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.
PREMIER PLATINUM SPONSOR
COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS CHASE SPONSOR
