When was the american correctional association founded

Through the accreditation process, DAPO will be able to maintain a balance between protecting the public and providing an environment which safeguards the life, health, and safety of staff and parolees. Ultimately, accreditation compliance will provide CDCR parole operations with standardization, increase efficiencies, and enable CDCR to reduce potential risk of further legal challenges against its parole operations.

In addition, DAPO shall provide data and statistical information on 65 of the standards to evaluate its performance and efficiency. In addition, DAPO will conduct an annual self-evaluation to ensure its policies, procedures, and practices conform to ACA national standards. In , the organization changed its namer to the American Correctional Association in order to reflect "the expanding philosophy of corrections and its increasingly important role within the community and society as a whole.

The American Correctional Association is a c 3 nonprofit organization with a vision to shape the "future of corrections through strong, progressive leadership that brings together various voices and forges coalitions and partnerships" to support its principles.

The ACA publishes 22 manuals of standards that cover every level of correctional operations. Applying these standards, the association provides an accreditation program for interested correctional facilities. These facilities are located both in the United States and around the world. Beyond accreditation, the ACA works to help correctional facilities provide "safe and effective health service delivery" through its office of correctional healthcare.

The ACA has a government and public affairs department that develops the public policy positions of the organization. The department also represents the association on those issues before all levels of government, advocacy and interest groups, and the general public. The department also monitors and analyzes legislative activity across the United States and distributes the information it produces to policymakers and advocacy groups.

With its professional development department, the ACA provides a certification program as well as online and physical training opportunities for those in the corrections profession. The ACA also hosts regular conferences and events for corrections professionals to meet and learn from more experienced members in the field. The ACA publications department produces corrections-related works such as Corrections Today magazine and the research journal Corrections Compendium.

The following individuals held leadership positions within the American Correctional Association as of February [12]. Membership - Expand and serve membership.

Develop recruitment and retention strategies. Identify benefits and services that will increase and serve the membership of the American Correctional Association.

Diversity - Promote diversity in the leadership, staff, membership and activities of the American Correctional Association. Encourage diversity of staff in the justice system. Professional Development - Provide excellence in professional development and educational opportunities. Create and provide meaningful opportunities for those who cannot participate in professional development through traditional venues.

Standards and Accreditation - Ensure the integrity of the standards and accreditation process. Develop standards that are based on valid, reliable research and exemplary correctional practice. Promote the accreditation process. Research and Education - Build relationships with the educational community. Influence research agendas and the implementation of valid research findings within correctional agencies.

Ensure that pertinent research is recognized, shared, and widely distributed. Promote continuing education and the expansion of degree programs relevant to corrections. Public Perception of Corrections — Lead and serve as the voice for corrections. Promote sound public policy and enhance positive public perception of the corrections field. Promote the American Correctional Associations policies, position statements, standards, and resolutions.

Topics discussed include the privatization of prisons, the growing prison population in the United States, the death penalty, and the ACA's controversial accreditation process. South Carolina considers skiping accreditation in order to save funds. Article includes the price paid per prison for accreditation in South Carolina and other states, and estimates as to what the cost of meeting the "standards" are.

Simmons, Prison Legal News September , p. Stay Informed Email:. Prison Policy Initiative newsletter? Research Library?