GEO Reentry’s Manager of Alumni Services, Tim O’Boyle, conducted two continuing education workshops at the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association conference recently: Successful Rehabilitation, Recovery and Reentry for Pre- and Post-Release Criminal Justice Clients” and “Clinical Charting.”
Mr. O’Boyle is a board member of the IAODAPCA, which establishes standards for training industry professionals in addiction treatment, issues professional credentials, provides up-to-date information on treating addiction and ensures adherence to international practitioner standards.
The conference was held virtually and attended by substance abuse treatment providers from across the state, as well as professionals from the Illinois Department of Corrections. Mr. O’Boyle conducted both of his workshops over video conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Viewed by 188 criminal justice professionals, the first, “Successful Rehabilitation, Recovery and Reentry for Pre- and Post-Release Criminal Justice Clients,” discussed the importance of risk and needs assessments and featured an in-depth discussion of potential post-incarceration barriers to employment, housing, education, transportation, obtaining identification and accessing clothing and food.
During the presentation, Mr. O’Boyle also provided information about local community providers, 12-Step programs and mental health support resources, as well as lesser-known agencies that are willing to help reentrants.
For his second workshop, “Clinical Charting,” Mr. O’Boyle teamed up with Dona Howell, former Program Manager at Big Muddy Correctional Center in Ina. Ms. Howell has 30 years of experience in program development, program efficacy evaluation, and training and clinical supervision of offenders and substance abusers.
The virtual presentation, which drew 163 attendees, dealt with the importance of having efficient assessments to develop individual treatment plans; screening that address educational level, disability, abuse history, language and general health; and the importance of documenting or “charting” an individual’s progress so it adheres to an original treatment plan or assessment.
“These workshops are important because they help practitioners better understand the unique barriers that returning citizens face in their reentry journey,” said Mr. O’Boyle. “I’m grateful to IAODAPCA for the opportunity to be a member of this organization, which provides continuing education and keeps members up to date with developments in the field, so we can continue to help individuals transition to a more successful lifestyle.”