FRONTLINE NEWS  
May 2018
National Correctional Officers and Employees Week
The D.C. DOC kicked off National Correctional Officers and Employees week at the 27 th Annual Wreath Laying and Honor Guard Competition. We joined correctional agencies and dignitaries from across the United States to honor fallen officers and colleagues. Following the ceremony, our Honor Guard Unit delivered a picture perfect presentation during the competition phase, winning 1 st Place and Best Dressed awards!

The celebration continued with a series of events which include the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) BBQ, Pizza Day, Game Day, a family style Fish Fry, and the FOP Shopping Trip in Pennsylvania. We also spruced things up at the "It's All About You" Employee Recognition Ceremony, where team members were honored for their outstanding service to our agency.

Congratulations to our distinguished Honor Guard Unit for their sharp performance! Extra special thanks goes to the Employee Recognition Committee, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) for organizing such memorable events; and Sgt. N. Robinson aka “DJ DOC” for providing the music! 
A Joint Celebration!
On Wednesday, May 9th, DOC's College and Career Readiness Division hosted a joint graduation ceremony for Ashland University, Georgetown University, and the University of the District of Columbia students. 10 students also earned General Education Diplomas.

Clarence Humes, Program Administrator, presided over the ceremony. Our very own Public Information Officer, Dr. Keena Blackmon, delivered an inspiring speech that touched on her experience growing up in Texas, the importance of obtaining an education and creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

Students also shared their personal reflections about the impacts of DOC's educational programs. "College was not something I ever thought I wanted to do," DOC student K. Collins said. "Yet being incarcerated has gotten me to walk through a door that I would have never done on my own. Now after release, with a college education, I know we can have a better opportunity for a better quality of life."

Students were presented with certificates then reconnected with family and guests immediately following the ceremony.

Congratulations to all Ashland U. Georgetown U., UDC, and GED graduates!
Inside Out Closing Ceremony
The D.C. Department of Corrections in partnership with Howard University hosted the Spring 2018 Inside Out Closing Ceremony. The event was organized by Dr. Bahiyyah M. Muhammad, Associate Professor of Howard University; and led by Nick Cannon, entertainer, Howard University student and co-facilitator of the exchange program.

Event highlights included remarks from DOC leadership, creative presentations by Howard and DOC students from both facilities including the Women's Unit and the newly established Young Men Emerging Unit (Y-ME). Program participants wore dashikis to promote solidarity. The special event, held in the Correctional Treatment Facility Gymnasium was filled with DOC staff, guests and representatives from international, national and local media outlets.


Congratulations to all the Inside Out graduates!
Policies & Procedures
Policy binders with the agency’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were placed in the Officers' Dining Rooms (ODR) at the Central Detention Facility, Correctional Treatment Facility, Central Cell Block and the Training Academy.

Once existing and new policies are approved by the Director, the OPP will update the binders monthly. All binders must remain in their respective places.

There are no updates at this time.


Announcements
What is Mental Health Awareness Month?
 
Since 1949, the month of May has been observed as National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when advocates across the country draw attention to the mental health issues that affect as many as 1 in 4 Americans. Today, more people die from suicide in the United States than from traffic accidents or homicides. Unfortunately, because of the stigma associated with mental illness, many people are too ashamed or embarrassed to seek the help they need for themselves or their loved ones. National Mental Health Awareness Month is a time when we work together to break through that stigma. 

#CureStigma

o  Stigma is when someone, or even you yourself, views a person in a negative way just because they have a mental health condition. Some people describe stigma as a feeling of shame or judgement from someone else. Stigma can even come from an internal place, confusing feeling bad with being bad.
o  Stigma harms the 1 in 5 Americans affected by mental health conditions. It shames them into silence and prevents them from seeking help.


Quick Facts about the Behavioral Health Unit
 
Did you know that in addition to the mental health services that Unity Healthcare provides, the DC DOC also has a Behavioral Health Unit ? Within this unit, Mental Health Specialists – formerly called Social Workers - (Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Licensed Professional Counselors) provide long-term therapy services, offer clinical expertise on the Adjustment and Housing Boards, provide clinical support to the Transgendered and Juvenile populations, and a host of other services where their knowledge can be put to great use. They seek to ensure the emotional well-being of residents, which results in a safer CDF and CTF for staff! 
 
Meet the Team
Mrs. Clinique E. Chapman, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Program Manager
Behavioral Health Unit
Ms. Leslie Palmer, LICSW, LCSW-C
DOC Mental Health Specialist


Ms. Palmer is a licensed clinical social worker who has been in the field of mental health and substance use for nearly 20 years serving many different populations. Specializing in work with the juvenile and young adult population, Ms. Palmer has training in crisis intervention, intensive trauma therapy, CBT, and substance use. Ms. Palmer has been employed with DOC for approximately 4 years and is very passionate regarding her work with the inmates. If you were to accost her about her work with the population at DOC, she would say “I don’t see orange, all I see is human. Everyone has their own story and should be afforded the opportunity to rewrite their story if they choose to do so. And, I am happy to be the one to help assist them.” 
Ms. Amy DeYoung, LPC, NCC
DOC Mental Health Specialist



Ms. DeYoung is a licensed professional counselor, specializing in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Before arriving to DOC, Ms. DeYoung worked in the community providing individual, group, and family therapy to ex-offenders, members of the LGBTQI community, those impacted by cancer and/or other medical complications, survivors of physical, emotional, and sexual violence (including sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and childhood sexual abuse) and co-occurring substance use disorders . 
Coming to a Roll Call Near YOU!

We look forward to meeting most of the Officers in person at upcoming Roll Calls and answering any questions during the month of May that you all may have about our roles and responsibilities. We look forward to discussing how YOU can help US to create a safer and emotionally healthier DOC for all.


“There is no health without mental health; mental health is too important to be left to the professionals alone, and mental health is everyone's business.” Vikram Patel


(Written by: Clinique E. Chapman)
Happy Ramadan to all who are celebrating!