This presentation describes the Virginia Department of Corrections’ decade-long journey to reduce and eliminate the use of restrictive housing while also providing a continuum of care to inmates with serious mental illness and other vulnerabilities. Participants will learn about VADOC’s restorative housing program, which focuses on behavior management rather than discipline or punishment, and implementation of diversionary programs to more responsibly manage individuals with SMI and other vulnerabilities.

Educational Objectives

• Analyze the steps used to reform VDOC's segregation/restrictive housing program
• Recognize how diversionary programs can reduce the number of people with SMI and other vulnerabilities managed in restrictive housing
• Review legal and legislative challenges related to special populations in restrictive housing

Level: Basic