Congratulations to the graduating class of the Kansas Department of Correction’s Case Management Basic Academy 21-2. Participants worked hard at learning and practicing skills in motivational interviewing, EPICS (Effective Practices in Correctional Settings), case planning and LSIR (Level of Services Inventory – Revised).

The KDOC-sponsored training includes many hours of classroom instruction plus working with coaches to gain skills to help in their work as case managers. Two staff members – Chris Merritt and Derick White – were recognized for going above and beyond in their classroom, coaching and training efforts.  Academy graduates are:

• Case Management Basics Classroom Completers (32 hours): Simeon Burchfield, Valeria Garcia, Troy Henry, Kristen Hoffman, Tori Merriam, Chris Merritt, Jera Thompson, Derik White and Russell White.
• Case Management Basics Coaching, Practice and Feedback Completers (Four hours): Simeon Burchfield, Kristen Hoffman, Tori Merriam, Chris Merritt, Jera Thompson, Derik White and Russell White.
• LSI-R Completions (44 hours): Simeon Burchfield, Tori Merriam, Amanda Hammersley, Russell White.

This case management training is an important part of the skills and capacity-building for KDOC and community corrections staff, providing the tools that support residents and to increase their success when returning to the community.