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ACCC Historical Timeline: 1985-Present

1985   

Allen County Community Corrections (ACCC) initiated operations after receiving the startup funding from an Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) grant.

1986   

ACCC implemented its first electronic monitoring system that consisted of a computer driven voice recognition feature and the earliest form of radio frequency transmitter/receiver system.

1991   

ACCC began operations as an independent agency supported by IDOC grant funding and participant user fees.

1994   

Case Management and Field monitoring duties were separated into two (2) specialized work groups. Programming was first designed, developed, and administered at ACCC.

1997   

Field Officers began law enforcement basic training at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield, Indiana. ACCC became certified by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration as an Intensive Outpatient Treatment Provider Site.

2000   

ACCC moved to a newly built 20,000 square foot building at 201 West Superior Street. Allen County Commissioners completed the construction of the two-story facility in May 2000. Allen County Police Officers and Reserve Officers joined the Field Supervision team.

2001   

Allen County Superior Re-Entry Court began operating with Judge John F. Surbeck presiding.  This Problem-Solving Court manages the returning justice-involved population.

2002   

Fort Wayne Police Officers were added to the Field Supervision Division to work on a part-time basis. ACCC offered the first Employment Academy to address special issues involving participant employment.

2004   

Program Identification and Placement (PIP) was introduced in December 2004.  The PIP program used the motivational intervention model and allowed Misdemeanor Judges and Magistrates to sentence justice-involved individuals to a process which enabled them to choose what course they believed would be most beneficial.

2005   

Early in 2005, after much preparation and what has since proved to be an improvement on traditional methods of GED preparatory class in relation to justice-involved populations, an Adult Basic Education program based on a similar program modeled by the Safer Foundation in Chicago began.

In May of 2005, the inception of an English as a Second Language (ESL) learning program at ACCC was met with ready attendance of mostly Hispanic, Misdemeanor cases.

2006   

In October, two (2) staff members became the first from ACCC to become Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) members.

2007   

Developed in response to a need expressed locally for an additional option in programming for anger management, a new program titled “Gaining Control” began operations at ACCC.

In February, the MINT Trainers developed and implemented a structured training program designed to standardize the concepts of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and ACCC’s philosophy in which all staff members were to receive education with the goal of ensuring consistency in the knowledge and application of MI across the entire staff member population.

2008   

ACCC staff members attended the Correctional Program Assessment Inventory (CPAI) – 2000 training in January and Effective Practices in Correctional Settings (E.P.I.C.S.) training in April.

In August, canine handler, R. Finton, and his K-9, “Jake,” completed the initial canine training with the Allen County Police Department and began service with the ACCC Field Division. K-9 Jake was certified in Obedience Control, Evidence Search, Tracking, and the Detection of Narcotics.

In October, the MINT Trainers launched their structured training of Motivational Interviewing to the Indiana Judicial Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. This formalized training was tailored to the professionals involved with Re-Entry Courts, Drug Courts, and other specialized Courts and agencies supervising a variety of justice-involved individuals.

2009   

In February 2009, members of the Field Division completed initial training to carry taser guns. The first taser guns were purchased in May with a grant from Steel Dynamics, Inc. and with narcotics seizure funds. The officers completed their training and began carrying the tasers in June.

In April, the Executive Group approved the implementation of a revised and comprehensive Field Officer Training program for the Field Division.

August 29, 2009 the Allen Superior Re-Entry Court was certified by the Indiana Judicial Center (IJC). During the three-year certification, the Re-Entry Court staff team is required to maintain compliance with the certification rules and remain subject to random audits by IJC staff.

2010   

The Kelley House Modified Therapeutic Community (MTC) accepted a pioneer group of residents to begin programming. Formally the Washington House, which was a local substance abuse detoxification facility, the facility provided shelter and activities for all residents.

2011   

Kelley House MTC begins a social enterprise entitled “Restoration Works Woodworking” (RWW). The enterprise manufactured work benches, wooden clocks, toy chests, and bird houses for purchase.

Kelley House reached 50% occupancy in May 2011. Kelley House was officially dedicated in honor of Jim Kelley, one of the original founders of the Washington House, previously a local substance abuse detoxification facility. Chief Justice Randall Shepherd was the keynote speaker of the event.

2012   

Allen Circuit Restoration Court was certified on January 27, 2012, as a Problem-Solving Court (PSC), providing judicial oversight, case management, mental health services, and possible residential placement in a modified therapeutic community for those justice-involved individuals dually diagnosed with a severe mental illness and substance-related diagnosis.

Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) held its annual Training of New Trainers and Organizational Training Forum in Fort Wayne, Indiana in September 2012. ACCC maintained three (3) MINT Member Trainers of the four (4) registered in Indiana at the time in 2012.

Restoration Works Woodworking (RWW) launched its website to market handcrafted wood products and paintings online. RWW also began its partnership with the Fort Wayne Farmer’s Market, assisting with set-up at their monthly markets throughout winter, which RWW also participated as a vendor.

2013   

In April 2013, ACCC hired a graduate from the Kelley House MTC as a subcontractor for the woodworking enterprise, RWW.

In April 2013, ACCC sent its first three (3) employees to Effective Communication/Motivational Strategies (ECMS) Training, a new evidence-based training program sponsored by the Indiana Department of Correction.

A pilot program for oral swab drug screening program began in May 2013, offering Field Officers the opportunity to collect on-site screens as a variant to traditional urine drug screens.

ACCC began the independent operation of the Allen Circuit Veterans Court Program.

Longtime ACCC Executive Director Sheila Hudson retires after serving 28 years as the agency’s top administrator. She received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Governor Mike Pence for her dedicated service.

2014   

In March 2014, Kim Churchward was unanimously selected by the Allen County Community Corrections Advisory Board to serve as the Executive Director of the agency.

The Indiana House Enrolled Act 1006 went into effect as a complete revision of the Indiana Criminal Code. Among the changes were a change in sentencing guidelines and offense classifications.

Beginning July 1, 2014, Allen County introduced the Criminal Justice Treatment Marketplace, offering risk-identified placements in treatment programs for addictions, mental illness, criminal thinking, and trauma. The initiative was supported by funding from the Indiana Judicial Center’s 2014 Community Supervision Grant.

In November 2014, the Allen Circuit and Superior Courts, in conjunction with ACCC and Criminal Division Services, celebrated the first graduation commencement of the Joint Allen Veterans Court Program. Congressman Marlon Stutzman delivered the keynote address to the graduates.

2015   

In January of 2015, Allen County Community Corrections’ Kelley House MTC program closed operations.

On March 20, 2015, the Allen Circuit Veterans Court was certified by the Indiana Office of Court Services (IOCS) as an independent Problem-Solving Court under the direction of the Honorable Thomas J. Felts.

In July 2015, Allen Circuit Restoration Court was recertified as a Problem-Solving Court by the Indiana Judicial Center for a three-year timeframe.

Allen County Community Corrections’ 30th Anniversary – The 2015-16 fiscal year marked the 30th anniversary of ACCC.  On Friday, October 16, 2015, the agency held a recognition ceremony in honor of its staff and Advisory Board members who have worked together to collectively serve Allen County over its 30 years.  IDOC Program Director Kristen Banschbach, on behalf of Julie Lanham, IDOC Deputy Commissioner of Re-Entry, served as the guest-speaker for the event. Also, as part of the celebration, ACCC staff presented informational boards, pictures, and displays describing agency’s primary functions.

Allen County hosted the Indiana Department of Correction for ECMS Training in December.

Allen County Community Corrections and Allen County Adult Probation prepared the first edition of a Collaboration Plan, articulating specific elements of cooperation and coordination for the supervision of justice-involved adults in Allen County. Amended for the 2015 – 2016 fiscal period, the Collaboration Plan is a component of the IDOC Community Corrections Grant Application Process.

2016   

In April 2016, the Indiana Judicial Center completed a recertification audit of the Allen Superior Re-Entry Court Program at ACCC. The Re-Entry Court Program recertification was renewed for three years.

In Spring 2016, Problem-Solving Courts Case Manager Kyle Keuneke was awarded the Allen County Civil Service Award for his demonstrated exemplary service to one of his clients. He was recognized before his peers and later during the Allen County Board of Commissioners Legislative Session in April.

On October 1, 2016, ACCC launched a newly reorganized Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) Marketplace.  ACCC made the decision to collaborate with local treatment providers to effectively deliver services to the existing participants in ACCC’s Substance Abuse program and discontinued in-house outpatient treatment services. Community providers assumed ownership and responsibility for the operation of addictions services for all participants enrolled with ACCC prior to October 1, 2016.

In an effort to meet participant responsivity needs, ACCC added the Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) program, a CBT-based program for high and moderate-risk participants (listed on SAMHSA’s National Registry for Evidence-Based Programs & Practices [NREPP]). For lower-risk participants, ACCC began offering the Courage to Change (C2C) Interactive Journals, a well-established intervention that is tailored to target the criminogenic needs identified by an IRAS assessment.  These two (2) programs join the Thinking for a Change (T4C 4.0) program offered to higher-risk participants through the marketplace.  ACCC also introduced public and private healthcare navigation services through a partnership with Park Center and Claim-Aid.  ACCC also found it prudent to involve Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health in the marketplace process, who weekly offers free information/education on STDs and on-site testing.

2017   

2017-2018 Collaboration Plan, Allen County, Indiana – The Allen County Sheriff joined Allen County Community Corrections and the Allen County Adult Probation department in the publication of the Allen County Collaboration Plan, a required component of the Indiana Department of Correction Community Corrections Grant Application for fiscal year 2017-18. The Collaboration Plan is an effort to formally describe methods of interagency cooperation in local correctional services in a manner visible to the State of Indiana.

ACCC received a nomination for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award by two (2) of its employees in FY16-17.  This particular award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Armed Forces Reserves.

ACCC received grant funding for each of the three (3) Problem-Solving Courts through the Indiana Supreme Court for FY17-18.  In order to mitigate any delay of eligibility and coverage from Recovery Works, ACCC began a pilot program to cover intake fees associated with placement in transitional living facilities.

ACCC received grant funding from the Drug & Alcohol Consortium (DAC) to fund tangible incentives for felony-level participants supervised by the agency.  These incentives include bus passes, gift cards to restaurants, and tokens to reward positive behavioral change and eventual completion of supervision.  Problem-Solving Courts participants received a similar grant supported by the Indiana Supreme Court.

In FY16-17, ACCC completed its second year of direct observations for the facilitation of CBT curriculums.  The direct observations are supervised by the Quality Assurance Division and typically actuated by the CBT/Clinical Division supervisors.  Feedback is formally provided to each facilitator and is included as collateral for annual performance evaluations as evidence of EBP Competencies.

The Quality Assurance Division also completed another year operating an Indiana Risk Assessment System (IRAS) Direct Observation program in conjunction with an Inter-rater Reliability activity.  Both programs provide the agency the opportunity to collect valuable measurements describing the degree of concordance between IRAS assessors and providing specific attention to areas of weakest performance.

UDS Technician Kevin Hambrick is awarded the Allen County Civil Service Award by the Allen County Board of Commissioners. Mr. Hambrick is the second ACCC staff member to receive the designation.

In October 2017, Programs Facilitator Ryan Meredith participated in the 80-week leadership development curriculum for Criminal Justice professionals, sponsored by the Indiana Department of Correction.

The Joint Allen County Veterans Court of the Allen Circuit and Superior Courts held a graduation ceremony on November 9, 2017 at 11:00am in the Allen Circuit Court. City of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry served as the Honored Guest Speaker for the ceremony that marked another completion of an intensive program designed to connect veterans suffering from substance abuse and/or mental health disorders with the benefits and treatment earned from their service. “The Joint Veterans Court is having a tremendous impact on our community and the Veterans who have so honorably served us. I am proud to be part of the treatment team and look forward to continuing this great work,” stated Circuit Court Judge Tom Felts.

2018

In February, an ACCC work crew helped the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health move records out of a building to allow renovations. This was the second time Community Corrections crews have been engaged for similar work at this site. The Department of Health was very grateful for the “heavy lifting” assistance.

ACCC’s Community Service Division renegotiated a new partnership with the Community Harvest Food Bank. This continues a long history of service by Community Corrections to help the needy, by providing helping hands.

Allen County Community Corrections’ partnership with the Allen County Department of Environmental Management continued to flourish as participants assisted their crew on a weekly basis throughout the year with their hazardous materials recycling drop-off program. This facility and the work being there done by ACCC work crews exemplifies the great networking and great work being done through ACCC’s Community Service Division.

The Community Service Division notably secured new memoranda of understanding with the following offices/organizations, continuously off-setting costs to employers and tax-payers: Fort Wayne Fleet Management, Shepherds House, Fort Wayne/Allen County Health Department, Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control, and Invisible Vets Limited.

Carey Guides and Brief Intervention Tools (BITs) Effective Intervention Training – All ACCC Case Managers completed certification and training on how to effectively administer the Carey Guides and BITs. On August 28, 2018, Allen County Community Corrections contracted with Erin King, of the Carey Group, Inc., to provide ACCC customized case management training involving direct observations of staff and desk audits with individual feedback.

With great sadness, ACCC lost a dear friend and co-worker, long-time Assistant Director, Edward D. Harris Sr. Mr. Harris passed away on Sunday, August 19, 2018, at 59 years of age. Just prior to his passing, in July 2018, after thirty-two (32) years of dedicated service, Mr. Harris retired as Assistant Director of ACCC. Since 1985, Ed served ACCC in a variety of ways, holding positions such as Surveillance Officer, Home Detention Coordinator, and Assistant Director, a position he occupied for the last twenty-two (22) years. During his time with ACCC, Ed felt that he focused predominantly on serving the citizens of Allen County and helping program participants make significant changes in their lives. He also devoted his efforts to providing direction and guidance to many of the agency’s staff.

Implementation of In-House Shoplifting/Theft Intervention Program – In a continual effort to meet participant responsivity needs, ACCC expanded its in-house services by implementing an additional intervention program, titled Something for Nothing (SFN), targeted toward participants with shoplifting/theft-related charges. The SFN program enhanced Community Corrections program offerings that included Courage to Change (C2C), Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), and Thinking for a Change (T4C 4.0) programs. All in-house programming are tailored interventions targeted to participants’ individualized criminogenic needs, as identified by an IRAS assessment. Community Corrections CBT Marketplace process also involves ClaimAid, a healthcare eligibility navigation service company, and the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health offering education/information on STDs and free, optional on-site testing and vaccinations.

All divisions of ACCC began administering quarterly participant satisfaction surveys, generated and tabulated by the Continuous Quality Assurance & Improvement (CQI) Division, formerly the Quality Assurance Division, in effort to measure intra-divisional performance, identify areas of strengths and shortcomings, and provide feedback to staff at all levels in all positions. First quarter satisfaction surveys were administered and tabulated just prior to the end of FY17-18 and support Community Corrections’ Program Facilitators assertions that the addition of SFN has been well-received.

Near the end of FY17-18, ACCC began initiatives to transition from its currently utilized Case Management System (CMS) database to the new state case management software system, Trial Court Technology’s (TCT) Supervised Release System (SRS), which will be in ingratiation of almost all judiciary/criminal justice applications/programs into one. The official launch of Allen County Community Corrections version occurred September 17-18, 2018. Community Corrections retains its former database, CMS, for historical reference and statistics for the current operational periods.

In September 2018, ACCC’s Programs/Clinical Division introduced the use of the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG) as a new diagnostic tool that assesses the risk of further violence among men or women who have committed violent offenses. The Programs/ Clinical Division also obtained certification to conduct the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA), which is a tool that identifies the future risk of domestic violence.

In November 2018, with the Honorable Thomas J. Felts and Honorable Frances C. Gull serving as the Supervising Judges of the local Veterans Court Programs, twelve (12) veterans were honored with a graduation ceremony for having successfully completed the intensive Veterans Court Program. Initially designed to connect veterans suffering with substance abuse and/or mental health disorders with benefits and treatment earned from service, the program decreases the likelihood of re-offending and remaining in the criminal justice system, as many of the graduates faced incarceration due to their struggles. Combined, nearly 986 hours of treatment and classes were completed by the 12 graduates; and since its beginning in 2014, a total of 49 Hoosier veterans have successfully graduated from the Veterans Court Program.

In November 2018, ACCC received an exemplary score of 96% on its Performance-Based site assessment, conducted by the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC), which evaluated the following within the agency: organizational sustainment of Evidence-Based Practices, use of assessment tools, effective staff-participant interaction, continuum of programming, quality assurance, and agency reporting.

Culminating in December 2018, ACCC participated in an extensive organizational restructuring in an effort to more effectively and efficiently supervise its higher-risk populations. ACCC accomplished a consolidation from thirteen (13) operational divisions down to only seven (7) and was successful in upgrading a series of part-time positions, that have historically worked 40-hours per week, into fully benefitted, full-time positions.

After thirty (30) years of dedicated service, Allen Superior Court Judge John F. Surbeck, Jr. retired on December 31, 2018. Judge David Zent, a former Allen Superior Court magistrate, was chosen to replace Judge Surbeck and serve out the remainder of his term, which expired in 2020. Judge Zent assumed responsibility for the administration of the Allen Superior Re-Entry Court.

2019   

The Allen Superior Re-Entry Court and Allen Circuit Restoration Court programs both completed successful recertifications by the Indiana Office of Court Services in spring of 2019—Allen Circuit Veterans Court Program completed successful recertification in December 2018—each led by Problem Solving Courts (PSC) Coordinator, Mallory Kuter. All state-certified problem-solving courts require extensive review and recertification every three (3) years.

ACCC joined Allen Superior Court, Allen County Jail, Allen County Adult Probation Department (ACAP), Criminal Division Services (CDS), and the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, along with others from various county agencies, as stakeholders in Allen County’s bond pilot program committed to reviewing the effectiveness and safety rates of the release programs.

ACCC has been an integral participating agency in the Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 510 pilot program as its role as a referral source and its data collection processes, along with Allen County Adult Probation (ACAP), and Allen Superior Court Criminal Division Services (CDS). The four-year pilot study was designed to assist criminal justice-involved participants in accessing treatment to manage and treat their mental health and/or substance abuse via evidence-based treatment by expanding the number of available sober in-patient and transitional living beds in Allen County through SEA 510 legislation. The project also involves the academic evaluation of the integrity and impact of these treatments and requires the submission of data and reports at various intervals to the Indiana General Assembly’s Legislative Council that address a number of programmatic outcomes.

In FY18-19, as required by the Indiana Department of Correction, ACCC developed five (5) quantifiable performance measures to track, evaluate, and report during the fiscal year that described appropriate organizational functioning. ACCC prepared a midterm and end-of-year report demonstrating that ACCC had either met or exceeded all performance-related goals as published.

• 100% of Case Managers achieve proficiency rating on the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity – a direct observation exercise conducted by ACCC’s CQI Coordinator and Motivational Interviewing Trainer.
• ACCC will endeavor to open lines of communication with local commercial housing entities in attempt to increase the availability of stable, appropriate housing for our participants.
• A minimum of 32% of appropriate participants that engage in the case planning process receive incentives and sanctions at a ratio of four (4) incentives to every one (1) sanction by the end of participant’s supervision.
• Increase the percent (%) of offenders convicted of Domestic Battery, or domestic related Invasion of Privacy, Strangulation, or Stalking, who are assessed using a Violence Assessment Tool (ODARA or VRAG) from 0% to 50%.
• Enhance the use of evidence-based tools in the agency supervision process, by increasing the utilization of the Carey Guides and BITS by 25%

After an extensive search, ACCC welcomed Danielle Edenfield as its newest Assistant Director at the end of March 2019. Ms. Edenfield joined ACCC from the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, where she served for approximately twenty (20) years, serving her last ten (10) years as Chief Investigator.

In a continual effort to meet participant responsivity needs, ACCC contracted with consultant Heather Jeffries, Director of Criminal Justice at the University of Saint Francis, to evaluate operations and outcomes of their in-house CBT programs during calendar years 2017-2019. Following Ms. Jeffries’ evaluation and recommendations to appropriately satisfy clients’ needs and fill classes to optimal capacity, ACCC implemented changes to its class availabilities and weekly schedule in 2019.

ACCC facilitated a pilot project in May 2019 to gradually plan for the utilization of Trial Court Technology’s (TCT) Supervised Release System (SRS) software for tracking attendance for ACCC’s CBT-based in-house programs. TCT completed its development of the “attendance module” in Spring 2019. The adoption of the new module resulted in reductions in the time required among facilitators to manage data entry.

2020

As a means to increase efficiency and accountability for those participants on GPS electronic monitoring, a new weekly schedule policy was enacted in January 2020, permitting clients to leave as long as their weekly schedule has been submitted on time and approved.

Replacing the Something for Nothing (SFN) program, implemented in FY17-18 upon the request of the Allen County Superior Court Misdemeanor Division and the Prosecutor’s Pre-Trial Diversion Program, ACCC introduced the Theft Awareness Class (TAC) in early 2020 as a continual effort to meet participant responsivity needs. The TAC program is targeted toward participants with current shoplifting/theft-related charges, just as SFN was, and utilizes the Change Companies’ Readiness to Change curriculum as its new foundation for the class.

ACCC adjusted its operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020, lasting throughout the balance of fiscal year 2020. As an essential service provider, all ACCC Rules and Special Conditions remained in full force. Early and routine efforts were made by ACCC management to follow all available directives and guidance provided by the local Board of Health, the Indiana State Department of Health, the CDC, and through Governor’s Executive Orders. These updates were used to guide all facets of ACCC’s operations and were regularly shared with all ACCC staff. As such, ACCC management identified some administrative staff positions who could take leave and/or work from home, and further rotated staff shifts to provide for increased distancing in our crowded Day Reporting Center workspaces. In addition to altered work schedules, plexiglass partitions were placed in open-area workspaces and meeting areas where individual screenings for supervision were conducted in lieu of group screenings. Large in-person meetings, trainings, and conferences were postponed or attended virtually. A significant amount of Personal Protective Equipment was purchased and provided to staff, including, cloth masks, goggles, face shields, N95 masks and gloves. Enhanced environmental cleaning efforts were launched to include daily cleaning of workspaces and all shared spaces throughout ACCC facilities; efforts which have remained in place to present day. It was also during this time that ACCC’s urine drug screen system added an additional tool of oral swab tests to supplement urine drug screens. ACCC’s Clinical/Programs Division created a home study course that was implemented in April in which participants received their assignments virtually and worked through their lessons from home. These virtual programs continue to be offered as appropriate, despite ACCC resuming in person classes on June 1, 2020. It was also during this time ACCC consistently updated its website during the public health emergency, detailing pertinent agency information. The Client Services Division developed a resource guide for participants that was also posted on the website and updated over the course of 2020 that consisted of contact and operational information related to the FSSA, Recovery Works, Child Care Assistance, Child Support, Virtual Employment Opportunities, Utility Assistance, and other resources. ACCC commended all of its staff for all their diligence in adhering to recommended protocols during the pandemic.

In June of 2020, ACCC added a sixth class to its menu of program offerings in the CBT Marketplace to include a violence abatement curriculum, titled Alternatives to Violence. The ATV program is a gender-divided interpersonal violence intervention with a ten (10) lesson curriculum consisting of a workbook and four (4) interactive journals covering the following topics: Anger, Self-Control, Readiness to Change, and Violence Intervention.

After months of analysis, planning, and preparation, a Title 35 Residential Services program was launched under the supervision of ACCC, in response to the significant need for residential placement in Allen County, particularly in terms of sentencing and alternative rehabilitative methods/services. ACCC opened the doors to Community Corrections Residential Services (CCRS) on August 25th, 2020, to serve the local courts by providing stable residential housing. The program serves as an alternative to incarceration for individuals ordered by the Allen Circuit or Superior Courts, direct placement as a sanction or alternative to revocation and incarceration. Twenty (20) new staff members attended and completed a five-week training academy prior to the facility’s opening—totaling nearly 200 training hours—consisting of Eight (8) Principles of Effective Intervention, Effective Communication/Motivational Strategies and Motivational Interviewing, Emergency Response Training, Defensive Tactics, and GPS Unit Management, to name several. In support of Residential operations, 125 unique policies were developed and implemented to guide this new level of programming and supervision. CCRS placements may also be used by local Courts as a last stop prior to ordering the participant to the Indiana Department of Correction. Individuals returning to the Allen County community through the Community Transitions Program (CTP) may also be placed at the residential facility when individuals do not have suitable housing options. Program participants are subject to 24-hours a day supervision through residential placement, which may include GPS supervision while in the community, individualized case plans guided by the Mark Carey Guides/BITS, individual in-house cognitive behavioral therapy interventions and a schedule of targeted rehabilitative services assigned based upon the results of the IRAS Risk/Needs Assessment as well as a myriad of other internal assessments and any other special conditions of placement that have been ordered by the Court.

The Joint Allen County Veterans Court of the Allen Circuit and Superior courts held a graduation ceremony at the University of Saint Francis on November 12, 2020 to honor nine veterans completing the program. The ceremony marked the completion of an intensive program designed to connect veterans suffering from substance abuse and/or mental health disorders with the benefits and treatment they have earned. The Allen County Joint Veterans Court is a judicially supervised court docket that reduces correctional costs, protects community safety, and improves public welfare. Dr. Clifford Buttram, Jr. of the University of Saint Francis was the Honored Guest Speaker for the ceremony.

After more than thirty (30) years of dedicated service as a judicial officer and serving the last eighteen (18) presiding over the Allen Circuit Court, Judge Thomas J. Felts retired on December 31, 2020. Prior to being elected to the bench in 2002, succeeding Judge Thomas L. Ryan, Judge Felts served as Magistrate of the Circuit Court’s Family Relations Division from 1989 until December 2002. Succeeding Judge Felts on January 1, 2020, The Honorable Wendy W. Davis was elected to the bench to assume responsibility for the administration of the Allen Circuit Court, following nine (9) years of service as Judge in the Allen Superior Court Criminal Division.

2021

The ACCC Advisory Board approved the motion to serve in an additional capacity as the Local Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council (JRAC) Board, as it pertains to House Enrolled Act 1068 (HEA 1068).  The overarching responsibility of the Local JRAC is to investigate all aspects of the local criminal justice system, ensuring the utilization and promotion of evidence-based practices and community-based alternatives.  The committee’s work will largely involve generating recommendations for tackling jail overcrowding upon review and evaluation of all local criminal justice programs, including all of ACCC’s programs, Allen County Problem Solving Courts, Alcohol Abuse Deterrent Program, Allen County Adult Probation, Criminal Division Services, Pretrial Services through Allen Superior Court, Pretrial Diversion through the Allen County, and local treatment and recovery services.

The local United Front Initiative was a citywide initiative built by a group of Fort Wayne organizational leaders, with the goal of attaining diversity, unity, equity, and organizational transformation; and fostering meaningful conversations in the community about race, equity, and inclusion. ACCC enrolled its management groups in the United Front Initiative offered by Fort Wayne United, with all ACCC’s eligible managers having successfully engaged and completed the curriculum in 2021.

The Clinical/CBT Programs division onboarded a new Park Center Liaison into the CBT Marketplace Orientation process and collaborated with Park Center, Inc./Parkview Behavioral Health Institute to incorporate two licensed therapists into the DRC orientation to provide immediate, on-site mental health/substance abuse assessments for participants.

The Clinical/CBT Programs division began providing Full Forensic Evaluations for all Pretrial/CAST participants within 27 days of intake to more accurately identify underlying mental health and substance abuse concerns that could qualify them for Restoration Court or Veterans Court.

The ACCC Residential Services Division witnessed immense growth since its opening on August 25, 2020. And to support and sustain the residential facility’s growth and continued operations, twelve (12) Residential Services Officer positions and one (1) new Residential Services Officer Shift Supervisor position were approved in September 2021 by Allen County Council to staff the facility to capacity.  Remaining committed to the agency’s subscription to EBPs for effective intervention and positive outcomes, particularly the practice of increasing positive reinforcement(s), ACCC also expanded its variety of recreational incentive offerings to participants at Residential Services to include seasonal fishing and Xbox video game time. The Allen County Public Library also generously donated 150 books to ACCC’s book cart in circulation at the Residential Facility.   ACCC also added additional services to offer to participants at the Residential Facility, including a weekly voluntary gospel-centered video series conducted by Marvin Vastbinder of Faith Based Mentoring Ministries, voluntary weekly religious services led by Assistant Jail Chaplain Elisha Harris on-site, as well as a 21-week virtual lecture series hosted weekly by Purdue Fort Wayne (PFW) which covers career and life skills, leadership, positive workplace behaviors, and an overview of academic programs offered by PFW at no cost to participants or the agency. Additionally, the Clinical/CBT Programs division designed and implemented a new “Finance and Budgeting” class at the Residential Facility to teach participants money management basics, create individualized budgets that can be shared with their case manager, and assist in identifying risky thought patterns and behaviors regarding money.

ACCC successfully met all five (5) of its Performance Measures in CY2021.  ACCC achieved its targeted performance in the following areas:

• ACCC met the goal ensuring all trained Case Mangers reached Motivational Interviewing proficiency in 2021. 
• CCRS staff achieved and widely exceeded the year-end goal of incentives delivered to participants in 2021. 
• ACCC staff ensured that CCRS participants were placed in appropriate programming and met the goal of those participants scheduled to begin class within 14 days of their marketplace orientation. 
• ACCC’s eligible and active managers engaged and completed 100% of the United Front Initiative curriculum offered in 2021. 
• ACCC’s Field Division increased their face-to-face contacts by 18% in 2021 compared to 2020 and exceeded the goal of a 10% increase.

The IDOC financial audit for calendar year 2020 was completed successfully without findings.

On the morning of November 12, 2021, with the Honorable Wendy W. Davis and Honorable Frances C. Gull serving as Supervising Judges of the local Veterans Court Programs, the Joint Allen County Veterans Court of the Allen Circuit and Superior Courts held their eighth graduation ceremony to honor fifteen (15) veterans completing the program. The ceremony commemorated the completion of an intensive program designed to connect justice-involved veterans, suffering from substance abuse and/or mental health disorders, with earned benefits and treatment earned from military service. The Allen County Joint Veterans Court is a judicially supervised court docket that reduces correctional costs, protects community safety, and improves public welfare. The Honorable Douglas Fahl, Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corp and presiding Judge of Whitley County Superior Court, served as the Honored Guest Speaker for the program’s eighth graduation ceremony.

2022

ACCC continued to show compliance with all its grant and performance requirements outlined by the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) by meeting or exceeding the following items in CY2022:
• Served target population of post-conviction felony level participants that are largely moderate- to high-risk, as identified by the Indiana Risk Assessment System (IRAS), placed as an alternative to prison. Additionally, served problem-solving court participants who had a high need in cognitive interventions, mental health, or addiction stability as part of their case plan.
• Demonstrated the capacity to comply with meeting guidelines, standards, data collection, and timely report submissions.
• Demonstrated effective collaboration between the local Community Corrections Advisory Board, Local JRAC, and criminal justice service programs that reduce recidivism.
• Provided alternative sentences for people with mental illness, addictive disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Demonstrated diversion from incarceration, which included the use of graduated sanctions to reduce jail overcrowding, prison admissions, and revocations.

In 2022, ACCC continued its adherence to Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) and remained committed to the ongoing measurement of relevant processes and the consistent evaluation of its application of the eight (8) Principles of Effective Intervention. Demonstrating this commitment, ACCC’s CQI/Business Division led an in-house EBP booster session for all ACCC divisions to reinforce both the principles and their specific application within the agency, along with a Motivational Interviewing (MI) booster that highlighted key MI concepts and provided staff with opportunities to engage in Q&A with the MI Training Team. ACCC also continued to prioritize hiring potential em¬ployees who exemplify skills and experience in EBPs in the correctional field. ACCC continued to utilize an EBP interview guide to assist in obtaining specific information on applicants that led to hiring the most qualified candidate for positions.

ACCC’s Residential Services division continued its practice of distributing positive reinforcement and extending significant recreational incentives to participants, demonstrating compliance to the EBP principle of increasing positive reinforcement. ACCC’s variety of recreational incentive offerings to participants at Residential Services included multiple seasonal fishing events, X-Box video game time, and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament that was held in the Fall at the facility. Leisure activities also con-tinued in 2022 at CCRS including can jam, puzzles, cards, cornhole, basketball, badminton, coloring books, cable television, chess, checkers, bean bag toss, and books. Finally, holiday passes were implemented in November and December, while home passes continued to be awarded for positive behavior, with 140 total approved in 2022. ACCC continued to provide additional services to participants at CCRS that specifically engaged many local community partners, including:
• “Authentic Manhood,” a voluntary, gospel-centered video series conducted by Marvin Vastbinder with Faith-Based Mentoring Ministries, Inc. This series wrapped up in 2022 after beginning in May 2021.
• Allen County Jail Assistant Chaplain Elisha Harris provided Sunday evening religious services for men and women on alternating weekends in 2022.
• Gender-divided retreats at Stillwater Retreat Ministries offered at seven (7) different timeframes in 2022.
• The Purdue Fort Wayne Virtual Lecture Series wrapped up in May 2022 after beginning in November 2021. Topics covered were: Positive Attitude & Engagement, Motivation/Goal Setting, Decision-Making & Problem-Solving, and Employment Interviewing Skills.
• Finally, all CCRS staff met their annual training requirements of 40 hours, totaling 5,916 hours in 2022. Staffing continued to be a challenge in 2022. CCRS was only staffed at approximately 75-85% capacity throughout most of the year. Five (5) Residential Services Officers (RSOs) were promoted to supervisory positions at CCRS in 2022, continuing a trend of promoting from within the agency.

ACCC successfully met all five (5) of its IDOC performance measures in CY2022, achieving targeted performance in the following areas:
• (1) – ACCC met the goal of ensuring discharge plans were constructed for participants satisfactorily completing supervision by a 50% increase compared to 2021.
• (2) – All CCRS case managers achieved proficiency in Motivational Interviewing after undergoing a review that measures competency utilizing skills such as reflections and open-ended questions.
• (3 – 5) – All three (3) of ACCC’s problem-solving courts (PSCs) achieved its goal of increasing the use of role-playing exercises with PSC participants. These exercises were facilitated using intervention tools such as the Carey Guides & Brief Intervention Tools (BITs), which are designed to help corrections professionals support participants in making behavior changes while under supervision. ACCC was also successful in developing a more formal tracking mechanism for role playing.

In 2022, ACCC maintained its efforts to collect outstanding debts from participants no longer under supervision by using a soft collection letter process and further with the use of TRECS—Tax Refund Exchange and Compliance System—which is a process to help counties collect outstanding debts in a timely, cost-effective manner. Senate Enrolled Act No. 515 allows Indiana local governments to submit debts of at least $25.00 to the Indiana Department of Rev¬enue (IDoR) and offset personal income tax refunds. ACCC saw modest success in 2022 with this initiative and will continue its use in 2023.

2023

In 2023, ACCC expanded its collaborative efforts by forming new partnerships with community-based organizations to enhance reentry support and promote long-term success for its participants.

ACCC partnered with HIRE (Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry), a nationally recognized program that helps participants assimilate into society and improve their lives through sustainable employment. HIRE provided job readiness skills training and assistance through resume development, interviewing and job application assistance, and financial literacy and budgeting, which was held at Residential Services once a month for three (3) hours. After completing the program, HIRE could connect clients with sustainable employment opportunities.

ACCC also collaborated with My Next Step, a six (6) week pilot program led by Director Betty Kahlenbeck that offered mentoring and connection to community resources. ACCC case managers referred participants approximately eight (8) weeks prior to release from ACCC supervision as part of an enhanced discharge plan. The mentorship focused on setting goals, establishing priorities and action plans, monitoring progress, and providing support through accountability check-ins.

ACCC’s Residential Services program celebrated three (3) years of operation on August 25, 2023, and operated on a waitlist for both males and females for a substantial portion of 2023—a clear testament to the growing confidence and investment ACCC’s stakehold¬ers have in the program.

On November 28, 2023, ACCC hosted a team of evaluators from the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) and the University of Cincinnati to conduct the Correctional Program Checklist for Community Supervision Agencies (CPC-CSA) evaluation of its electronic monitoring and problem-solving court processes. ACCC’s policies and procedures, day-to-day operations, and adherence to evidence-based practices (EBPs) were examined. The evaluation was broken into five (5) separate domains: Program Leadership and Development, Staff Characteristics, Offender Assessments, Treatment Characteristics, and Quality Assurance/CQI processes. Although a formal report was not expected until the end of 2024, the evaluation team provided brief feedback to ACCC leadership, noting:
• Evidence of strong leadership and strong man¬agement
• Evidence of strong staff characteristics, and strong staff buy-in to EBPs
• Strong and effective in-house programming and services to clients with an emphasis on efficient delivery
• Many examples of systems and working with participants to remove barriers to success
• Achieving strong competency in both program content and program capacity to provide strong EBPs

Certified and qualified ACCC staff trainers led multiple training sessions for fellow staff throughout 2023, covering topics such as Motivational Interviewing (MI)—with booster sessions focused on specific MI topics—Realistic De- Escalation, IRAS Inter-Rater Reliability, Professional Boundaries, Conducted Energy Weapons (CEW), Gracie Survival Tactics, and CPR/AED.
Building on these comprehensive training efforts, Senior Residential Services Officer (RSO) Shift Supervisors Cody Williamson and Dawson Hertel dedicated significant time to researching and developing a new Residential Training Officer (RTO) curriculum and training program, which launched successfully that year. Collaboration among the CCRS team, Home Detention Officers, and Security Officers remained a priority, leading to the formation of a joint Crisis Response Unit (CRU) in partnership with the Allen County Sheriff’s Department under the leadership of Field/Security/Community Service Coordinator David Hunter. The CRU team was comprised of approximately 20 individuals selected through a rigorous process—including a written exam, in-person interviews, and a physical fitness test—and was led by two (2) exceptional team leads chosen by their peers: Home Detention Officer Trevor Braun and RSO Shift Supervisor Dawson Hertel.

On December 8, 2023, Home Detention Officer Michael Henderson and K-9 “Arco” successfully completed their K-9 and handler training through the Allen County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 Academy. With this graduation, ACCC brought its total number of K-9 Officers to two (2). K-9 “Arco” primarily serves as a facility K-9 at CCRS, showcasing his skills and contributing to the overall security and operations of the center. This addition further enhanced ACCC’s commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient environment through the utilization of skilled and trained K-9 units. This addition further enhanced ACCC’s commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient environment through the utilization of skilled and trained K-9 units.

ACCC successfully met all three (3) of its IDOC performance measures in CY2023, achieving targeted performance in the following areas:
1. ACCC met the goal of increasing the amount of Carey Guides & BITs delivered to participants in 2023 by a 5% increase. 4,807 Carey Guides were distributed to participants in CY2023. Compared to 2022, this represented a 73.4% increase, which far exceeded the year-end goal of a 5% increase.
2. 100% of Community Corrections available staff attended one (1) in-house Motivational Interviewing booster in 2023 – refining skills in items such as open-ended questions, reflections, and stages of change.
3. 60,150 incentives were distributed to participants in CY2023. Compared to CY2022, this represented a 15.8% increase, which far exceeded the goal of a 10% increase.

In response to new statutory requirements outlined in Senate Enrolled Act 9 (SEA 9) regarding electronic monitoring standards and victim notification policies, ACCC updated its internal processes in 2023 to ensure full compliance with the new legislation. SEA 9 mandates that local supervising agencies notify victims under specific circumstances: when a participant’s monitor is removed, when the participant enters an excluded area, or when the device is unable to communicate with the supervising agency. ACCC established clear procedures for staff to follow in each of these scenarios, ensuring consistent and timely notification in accordance with the law.

2024
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance staff recruitment and retention, ACCC partnered with a local news station to develop six (6) professionally produced promotional videos in 2024 that showcasing the agency’s mission, impact, work environment, and key roles within the agency—Case Manager, Home Detention Officer, Residential Services Officer (RSO), Monitoring & Communications Specialist, and Programs Facilitator. These videos were shared on ACCC’s website and social media channels to broaden visibility and give potential candidates an inside look at the agency and the essential positions that support its mission.
• ACCC <embedded link>
• Case Manager <embedded link>
• Home Detention Officer <embedded link>
• Residential Services Officer (RSO) <embedded link>
• Monitoring & Communications Specialist <embedded link>
• Programs Facilitator <embedded link>

IDOC conducted its fiscal audit of ACCC for CY2023, reporting no findings.

The Residential Services program celebrated four (4) years of operation on August 25, 2024, and operated on a waitlist for both males and females for a substantial portion of 2024, a clear continued testament to the growing confidence and investment ACCC’s stakeholders have in the program.

Allen Superior ReEntry Court successfully met all three (3) of its IDOC performance measures in CY2024, achieving targeted performance in the following areas:
1. ACCC met the goal of increasing the amount of Carey Guides & BITs delivered to ReEntry Court participants in 2024. 427 Carey Guides/BITs were distributed to ReEntry Court participants in CY2024. Compared to 2023, this represented a 27% increase, which far exceeded the year-end goal of a 10% increase.
2. 100% of Community Corrections available staff attended one (1) in-house Motivational Interviewing (MI) booster in 2024 – refining skills in items such as open-ended questions, reflections, and stages of change.
3. 98% of ReEntry Court participants served in 2024 were active with at least one (1) collaborative partner from Faith-Based Mentoring, HIRE, or My Next Step, which exceeded the goal of 90%.

In 2024, ACCC celebrated the exceptional contributions of its staff through various awards and recognitions, highlighting their dedication, leadership, and commitment to public safety.
Ryan Meredith, ACCC’s Clinical/CBT Coordinator, was the recipient of the “Innovative Service Award (in Support of EBPs),” also known as the “Change Agent of the Year,” presented by the Indiana Association of Community Corrections Act Counties (IACCAC). This award recognizes an individual who exemplifies what it means to embrace and implement EBPs in community corrections through use of specific skills, tools, and/or resources which have resulted (or are expected to result) in positive, long-term contributions to public safety and the community. Ryan was nominated for his oversight of the CBT Marketplace, the successful launch of new curricula while managing long-standing existing ones, and his expert review of all supportive services to which program participants are referred.
Brittany Barron, ACCC’s Senior Intake Case Manager/Court Liaison, was the recipient of the “Outstanding Team Member of the Year Award,” from IACCAC. This award recognizes a team member who has worked far above and beyond their standard scope of duties and who has shown exemplary leadership or who is the “one” who keeps the agency together through their dedication and efforts. Brittany was nominated for her selflessness and exceptional work ethic, her scope of responsibilities, dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service.
Kevin McIntosh, ACCC’s Community Projects Section Chief, successfully completed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s 80-hour Use of Force Instructor Training Program.

ACCC continued to provide a comprehensive, ongoing training program in CY2024 to ensure staff competency and adherence to EBPs. This structured program ensures ACCC staff maintain the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and evidence-based supervision.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) Training
• Professional Boundaries
• Professionalism & Empathy
• Leading from the Middle
• Realistic De-Escalation
• Defensive Tactics & Gracie Survival Tactics (GST)
• Field Training Officer (FTO) Program
• CPR/First Aid
• Taser Training
• Crisis Response Unit (CRU)
• OC/Pepper Spray Training

In 2024, ACCC remained aligned with best practices and committed to implementing evidence-based practices (EBPs) that promote positive outcomes for participants while reducing the risk of recidivism. Through a combination of structured assessments, targeted interventions, and ongoing skill development, ACCC continued to ensure that each participant received the support and resources needed for long-term success. These efforts were guided by the eight (8) principles of effective intervention in corrections:

1. Assessing Actuarial Risk
2. Enhancing Intrinsic Motivation
3. Target Interventions
4. Skill Training with Directed Practice
5. Increasing Positive Reinforcement
6. Ongoing Support in Natural Communities
7. Measuring Relevant Processes & Outcomes
8. Provide Measurement Feedback

In 2020, the University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute began working with the Indiana Department of Corrections to evaluate community supervision agencies using the CPC-CSA tool. As part of this initiative, ACCC was assessed on November 28, 2023, with findings shared on October 4, 2024.
The CPC-CSA evaluates two main areas: capacity (leadership, staff, quality assurance) and content (offender assessment, evidence-based practices), using 56 indicators scored on a 64-point scale. Ratings range from Low to Very High Adherence to evidence-based practices, with some indicators weighed differently or excluded.
The 2023 assessment included interviews with staff and participants, review of 20 case files, and analysis of agency materials. A team of six evaluators used this data to determine the agency’s CPC-CSA score and provide recommendations.
The findings highlighted the following numerous strengths across the five (5) key sections of the assessment:

1. Leadership, Management & Support
• Experienced Leadership
• Structured Communication
• Stable Funding
• Clear Mission
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Strong Management

2. Staff Characteristics
• Qualified Staff
• EBP-Focused Hiring & Promotions
• Regular Evaluations
• Extensive Training
• Ethical Standards
• EBP Commitment

3. Offender Assessment
• IRAS Use
• Specialized Caseloads
• Responsivity Assessments
• Risk-Based Supervision
• Participant-Informed Case Plans
• Routine Reassessments
• Information Sharing

4. Adherence to EBPs
• Flexible Supervision
• Barrier Reduction
• Comprehensive Monitoring
• Risk-Based Services
• Structured Discharge
• Evidence-Based Interventions
• Adjusted Caseloads

5. Quality Assurance
• Internal Monitoring
• Data Tracking
• Recidivism Analysis
• External Evaluations