Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) Warden Anissa De La Cruz participated and spoke at a three-day Cross Training for staff. Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP) hosted the training.
“Cross training promotes a sense of teamwork and collaboration within the workplace. When employees have a better understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities, they can work together more effectively, share knowledge, and support one another. This collaborative atmosphere fosters a positive work environment, boosts morale, and enhances overall productivity,” said Warden De La Cruz.
CDCR staff learn more on the ISUDT program
The training highlighted the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) program. The ISUDT program provides Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBI) curriculum to incarcerated individuals before release. The relationship between rehabilitative programs and incarceration plays a significant role in offender rehabilitation efforts. All staff working within the institutions play a significant role in the success of these programs. It is vital that staff understand the importance of their roles and benefits of rehabilitative programs.
“The cross training was the best training I have ever attended! The leaders were knowledgeable about the topics discussed and made it interesting. We participated in several activities emphasizing the importance of being a team player. I highly recommend this training to everyone,” said Dr. Dana Cedres.
All levels of staff attended
The purpose of the training was to introduce the different classifications and divisions of staff within the institution to build rapport, boost morale, and create a better understanding of everyone’s role in rehabilitation. In attendance included:
- Correctional Counselor III (CCIII) Flavilla Singleton
- Center for Criminality and Addiction Research, Training and Application (CCARTA) at UCSD Program Manager Norman Jackson, and Consultant Steve Zanini (Retired DRP Captain)
- Correctional Officers
- Sergeants
- Lieutenants
- Counselors
- Registered Nurses
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers
- Psychologists
- Parole Services Associates
- Office Technicians
- Staff Services Analysts
- Alcohol and other Drug (AOD) Counselors
- and Program Directors.
“The training was very educational and aided in bridging the gap between staff members working in different departments/areas within the institution,” said Sergeant M. Quandt.
The class split up into four static groups of eight with at least one person from each division in the group. Each member of the group had to take time to talk to another member in the group and introduce themselves as that member to the entire class. As the days progressed, the attendees learned everyone’s first names in the class. They discussed real life scenarios that occur in the institution and how to resolve them.
Collaboration leads to understanding
Participants communicated to each other what they needed from each other to better assist them in their job duties. Important discussions about rehabilitation, the ISUDT program, and the California Model continued throughout training. Key-note speakers from the institution provided insight into programs within CDCR and at CCWF. The attendees engaged in team building activities and even some dancing.
“This type of training is what is needed in CDCR. They say it takes a village to raise a child, well it takes an even bigger village to rebuild and rehabilitate an incarcerated individual. The best way to ensure our communities are safe is to do our best in assisting incarcerated individuals in rehabilitation. When they return to our communities, they are a better version of themselves and productive members of society,” said F. Singleton, DRP CCIII.
Story submitted by Lt. M. D. Williams, AA/PIO
Central California Women’s Facility