Criminal Justice Services Offers Learning Sessions to the Community

Rendering of the CJS building

April is known as Second Chance Month for the justice-involved population, as there’s a focus on Reentry. Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners also proclaimed April Reentry Month at its meeting on April 4, recognizing the justice-involved population, the struggles of many people, and the County’s support of the work to help individuals and families. 

Some 1,500 residents return to Mecklenburg County each year from state and federal incarcerations. More than 4,900 people are under state correctional supervision at any time during the year. Understanding their experiences and how they can impact lives and families take intention and action. Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Services has two learning opportunities in April for the community. 

“I hope the community will join us in learning more about the justice-involved population. Understanding is key to helping an individual. Every successful outcome for one person, improves the lives of so many in the community,” said Sonya L. Harper, director of Criminal Justice Services. 

The first learning session is Exploring the Cycle of Recidivism. This session explores the internal and external factors that greatly impact successful reentry into the community. The target audience is anyone wanting to learn more about the cycle of criminal behavior and recidivism. 

Exploring the Cycle of Recidivism 

April 25, 11 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. 

BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch) and Learn 

Mecklenburg County Department of Community Resources  

Suite 1000, Community Room 

3205 Freedom Dr. Charlotte, NC 28208 

Free parking on site 

The second learning session is How Being Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses. The objective is to increase awareness of the impact of trauma on behavior and develop trauma-informed responses. Such awareness can help avoid re-traumatizing individuals. The target audience is anyone serving persons with criminal histories, including probation officers, case managers, recovery supports, law enforcement officers, detention officers, attorneys, social workers, and others. 

How Being Trauma Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses 

April 26, 1- 4 p.m. 

Valerie C Woodward Conference Center 

Entrance E in Auditorium 

3205 Freedom Dr. Charlotte, NC 28208 

Free parking on site