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Valley State Prison attends DRP cross training

July 19, 2024

Valley State Prison (VSP) recently completed its annual cross training event conducted by Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP). The training was held at the Fresno County Department of Social Services in Clovis. University of California, San Diego’s (UCSD) Center for Criminality and Addiction Research, Training, and Application (CCARTA) facilitated the training.

More than 50 staff members, including Correctional Counselors and Treatment Providers, participated in the event. The training aimed to integrate Substance Use Disorder Treatment with Cognitive Behavioral Interventions through cross-training. This enhances understanding and collaboration among professionals.

Dr. Igor Koutsenok and Retired CDCR Captain Stephen Zanini led the training sessions. They emphasized building trust, open communication, and strong working relationships. The training exemplified that a comprehensive understanding of each professional’s duties, responsibilities, and objectives contributes to a program’s overall success. By learning about each other’s roles, the participants could foster a collaborative environment that supports effective treatment and maintains safety and security within the institution.

Arturo Buitron Jr., Correctional Counselor III, noted the positive feedback from participants. He highlighted that staff found the training to be highly beneficial in fostering a collaborative working environment, balancing safety, security, and rehabilitation goals, and ultimately supporting the department’s mission.

Story submitted by Lieutenant H. Gastelum, AA/PIO
Valley State Prison