| Other Topics | Director Wilkinson Speaks Out
on American Correctional Association Accreditation Published in Ohio Community Corrections Association newsletter; January/February '99 edition |
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Denise Robinson: What are ODRC's long range plans for accreditation? Reginald Wilkinson: When I was named the first warden at the Dayton Correctional Institution, I was determined that DCI become the first American Correctional Association (ACA) accredited prison in the state (Ohio). Throughout my 25 years in this business, and my long association with the ACA, I have come to realize that ACA accreditation is one of the most valuable tools an agency can have. Later, when I was named Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC), my goal was to have the entire organization meet ACA standards. I am proud to say that DRC plans to have all institutions and programs accredited by the ACA by the end of this year (1998). This includes all prisons, two boot camps, central office, the Corrections Training Academy, prison industries, and the parole and probation operations. Our parole field services and the Ohio Parole Board are among an elite few such agencies that sought and achieved ACA accreditation. The Ohio DRC will become the first "fully" accredited correctional agency in the nation. Robinson: What steps are ODRC taking towards this goal? Wilkinson: Most of DRC's prisons and programs are already accredited. This was accomplished through a great deal of work, planning, and cooperation. Some of the older facilities require a great deal more work to bring them up to ACA standards, but with a lot of team work and the work of thousands of dedicated DRC staff, we have gained the upper hand. Seven institutions plus Ohio Penal Industries are scheduled for audits during October and our operation will retain the high standards required in order to earn reaccreditation. Robinson: What are the plans for contract community corrections programs? Wilkinson: First of all, DRC stands ready to provide assistance to all agencies seeking accreditation. Our staff can help with preparations or by doing walk through's and mock audits for interested agencies. We have already assisted both CBCF's and Halfway Houses in Ohio with their accreditation quest. There are no written plans for community corrections programs, but quite frankly I expect that CBCF's take the lead of MONDAY, CCA, and SEPTA by achieving ACA accreditation. Similarly, I encourage Ohio Halfway Houses to benchmark from the Alvis House successful accreditation attainment. I have also discussed with DRC community corrections staff the possibility of requiring accreditation via the contract process, but we would want to discuss this further with the providers. Robinson: What are some of the benefits of accreditation? Wilkinson: One of the primary benefits of the accreditation process is the teamwork it engenders among employees. ACA accreditation is a worthy goal that incorporates just about every facet of an operation. As such, no single person can achieve accreditation. It requires help and input from everyone, and along the way, they learn to work together. Thus, morale is increased. Other benefits are more tangible, and include: the standardization of operations; improved communications, safety, sanitation and security; improved quality of life for staff and inmates; accountability to the public; better policies and procedures; and better protection against law suits. Robinson: How do the benefits relate to increasing privatization of corrections? Wilkinson: While most privatized facilities see ACA accreditation just as we do, the fact that we are accredited lets stakeholders know that we are concerned professionals who command respect. ACA accreditation banishes the "good enough for government work" stigma that we all fight against. Accreditation tells everyone who wants to know that we seek and attain excellence in all facets of our operation. At the same time, I applaud private sector corrections operators when they seek to achieve excellence through accreditation. The bottom line is that whether it's government or a private sector operation, our mission is to reintegrate offenders back into the community more capable of becoming self-sufficient and law-abiding. Robinson: Where can we contact the American Correctional Association for more information? Wilkinson: Agencies interested in more information about ACA accreditation can contact the ACA directly at 1-800-222-5646. We invite those seeking assistance with the accreditation process to contact DRC's ACA accreditation administrator at 614-752-1680. I also recommend that organizations and individual corrections workers become members of ACA. |
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