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December 3, 2021

Roberts Hosted Reentry Association of Western New York Stakeholders Symposium

Criminal Justice Symposium

On December 2, the Roberts Wesleyan College Department of Criminal Justice hosted the Reentry Association of Western New York (RAWNY) Stakeholders Symposium. The Criminal Justice department’s Center for Restorative Justice and Academic Research partnered with RAWNY to conduct academic research relating to reentry services for persons completing parole. The research and findings will be used in the development of a ‘One Stop/ Reentry Hub” intended to create a centralized reentry intake process.

Students from the Homeland Security and Applied Intelligence traditional undergraduate program conducted the academic research using a data collection process of scholarly review, surveys and focus groups. “This project has provided real-life applied learning to students in conducting research to help improve the reentry services for persons who are coming off parole and the opportunity to share the findings with stakeholders who are associated with restorative practices,” said Glenn Grana, Assistant Professor at Roberts Wesleyan College. The goal of this academic project was to provide research insights to enhance the efficiency of the reentry services provided within Monroe County including exiting parole assistance with housing, education and other skills needed to reenter society as productive members.

 

“The Criminal Justice students gained research experience that is applicable to real world needs within the criminal justice system,” said Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Chair, Department of Criminal Justice, Kirby Trask. “Students are learning about the importance of working together with the greater community to solve problems using a coordinated teamwork approach,” he said. "The Criminal Justice program infuses a restorative justice philosophy into the curriculum and this project is a great example of an initiative coming alongside the traditional system in order improve it."

Over 50 people attended representing social work, law enforcement and the judicial community. Glenn Grana, Assistant Professor at Roberts Wesleyan College kicked-off the symposium and the following people shared opening remarks:

  • Kirby Trask, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Chair, Department of Criminal Justice
  • Ann Graham, Executive Director RAWNY
  • Todd Baxter, Sheriff of Monroe County
  • Cathy Buckert, Professor, Roberts Wesleyan College and research project liaison

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