On February 23–27, 2026, NIC conducted Correctional Case Management for Jails training for the Arlington County, VA, Sheriff’s Office. Following a 2-hour county delay due to snow, the class began with 14 participants. There were 3 counties in attendance in the training: Arlington and Prince William, VA and Montgomery Co, MD. The participants included a Captain, a Lieutenant, a Case Management Supervisor and Case Managers.
Correctional Case Management for Jails is a 40-hour training course that has been designed for classification, intake, counseling and other inmate services staff who are responsible for accessing inmates, providing routine services to inmates, or who respond to the needs of inmates. The training familiarizes participants with the fundamentals of correctional case management in jails, reviews the stages of case management, emphasizes the importance of standardized documentation in the delivery of jail services, and highlights the role that intake and classification staff play from intake screening to the discharge planning process to an individual’s return to the community.
In addition to the structural components of correctional case management, the training covers the importance of knowing the “inmate’s story,” so that staff can proactively intervene with an inmate when difficult situations or thoughts arise. Staff should also want an inmate to be aware of the facets of the criminal justice system that will affect his or her stay in our facilities.
The training also examines the needs of special populations, evidence-based programming, styles of communication, motivational interviewing, risk-need-and-responsivity assessments, creating resource lists, the use of role plays, and personal and professional issues.
The Correctional Case Management for Jails training was provided by NIC as a technical assistance response for Arlington County. As a part of a cooperative agreement with NIC, six additional local jurisdictions will receive Correctional Case Management for Jails training during fiscal year 2026.
Photo Courtesy of Sandora Cathcart
