Two Rice County Probation Officers who work with justice-involved women were honored last week by their professional organization.
Agents Kelli Cline and Willow Schafer “do an outstanding job supervising justice-involved women in Rice County,” said Community Corrections Supervisor Tracy Zabel, who nominated them for the Minnesota Association of Community Corrections Aid Counties President’s Award.
Cline and Schafer lead Rice County Community Corrections’ Gender Responsive Unit, work which they say is especially meaningful. Often their clients aren’t aware of or have never tapped into their strengths, which makes sharing their journey of self-discovery, growth and success so satisfying.
“It’s very rewarding that we have the opportunity to build relationships with our clientele to aid in their success outside of the justice system and beyond.” said Schafer.
Relationship building is key.
Gender-responsive and trauma-informed policies, practices, and programs like the ones used by Rice County Community Corrections “recognize that women have distinct histories, pathways to offending and experiences in the criminal justice system,” according to a resource guide from the Council of State Governments. “These approaches address issues that may contribute to women’s involvement in the justice system, such as domestic violence, abuse, and victimization; family and relationships; trauma; and poverty, mental illnesses and substance use disorders.”
Cline and Schafer lead with compassion, says Zabel, while incorporating evidence-based practices and a trauma-informed approach, empowering women to make change, including them in the case planning process and identifying their strengths.
Client risks and strengths are determined using an evidence-based assessment tool. This allows supervision, interventions and strategies to be tailored to each individual’s needs. They’re keenly aware of ensuring clients’ basic needs – housing, finances and relationships – are met. If they’re not, Cline and Schafer aim to connect clients with the resources and/or services that can help.
They also facilitate two gender-responsive, cognitive behavior-based and trauma informed programs for small groups of female clients who meet regularly, which further enhances relationship building and covers specific topics for women with similar needs.
“They provide hope and accountability with compassion. They consistently go the extra mile,” Zabel said of agents Cline and Schafer. “They are committed to this work and dedicated to the women they serve. They provide hope for the future.”
