Solitary Confinement and Criminal Justice: An Introduction

CE Hours 3.00

Live Interactive Webinar (VIRTUAL)

Date: Saturday, May 11th, 2024

Time: 9 am-12 pm ET

Description

In the United States, there are an estimated 122,000 people in solitary confinement in our prisons, jails, and other correctional institutions. This practice, inflicted upon people of all ages and backgrounds, is considered torture by the United Nations, and impacts not only individuals - who experience profound psychological, physical, and social damage -  but also their families and communities. However, despite its myriad harms, most Americans, including healthcare professionals, remain in the dark about the prevalence and harsh reality of this practice. During this webinar, leaders of Social Workers & Allies Against Solitary Confinement will provide an overview of the history, use, and impacts of solitary confinement, how it connects to issues such as racism and mental health, and what is being done to end it. This webinar will feature videos, personal accounts, reflection, and interactive discussion.

Target Audience

This live interactive webinar is intended for behavioral health professionals, including Social Workers, Counselors, MFT's and Addiction Professionals.

Learning Objectives

1. State what solitary confinement is, as well as its use(s) and prevalence.

2. Describe how solitary confinement fits into the American criminal legal system and the history of mass incarceration, and the racial disparities in its use.

3. Articulate the harms of solitary confinement, particularly in regards to mental health.

4. Describe efforts to limit and/or end solitary at the national, state, and local levels.

5. Identify ways they can engage with and support advocacy, legislation, and policies to abolish solitary confinement and replace it with humane alternatives.

Presenters

• Mary Buser, LCSW, Author, Co-Director of Social Workers & Allies Against Solitary Confinement

• Nicole Capozziello, MSW, Co-Director of Social Workers & Allies Against Solitary Confinement

• Member of Social Workers & Allies Against Solitary Confinement Advisory Board (with lived experience)

Presenter Bios

Mary Buser, LCSW, is the author of the award-winning book, Lockdown on Rikers: Shocking Stories of Abuse and Injustice at New York’s Notorious Jail, which is based on her work as an assistant mental health chief at Rikers Island. After leaving Rikers, she became an advocate for the incarcerated, especially the mentally ill and those held in solitary confinement. She received her MSW from Columbia University and is the Co-director of Social Workers & Allies Against Solitary Confinement.

Nicole Capozziello, MSW, is a doctoral candidate at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, where she has worked with people who have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system as an advocate, writer, and researcher. She is an active member of the WNY chapter of the Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement, and is the co-director of Social Workers & Allies Against Solitary Confinement.

CE Information

• For LCSWs/LMSWs: MPG Consulting LCSW, PLLC, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for

  licensed social workers #0119.

• For LMHCs: MPG Consulting LCSW, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0044.

• For LMFTs: MPG Consulting LCSW, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists. #MFT-0030.

• For LCATs: MPG Consulting LCSW, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0024.

• For LPs (Psychoanalysts): MPG Consulting LCSW, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychoanalysts. #P-0034.

If you are interested in taking this webinar NOT for CE credit, or this presents a financial burden, please reach out to swasc999@gmail.com.