We are offering this training due to popular demand.
Advancing Pretrial Policy and Research (APPR) is pleased to offer a free virtual training about coordinating supportive services for people in the pretrial phase. The course takes place on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m. ET. Space in this training is limited. The deadline to register is Thursday, May 22.
About the Training
Justice systems and their community partners increasingly recognize that most people released pretrial appear for their court hearings and remain law-abiding. Many pretrial services agencies have shifted their supervision model to prioritize and focus on supportive services rather than surveillance. But some pretrial agencies still don’t provide supportive services in a manner that is minimally restrictive.
This training will highlight how one jurisdiction uses social workers within the public defender’s office to support people with need-based services rather than ordering conditions of release. Participants will hear how this partnership evolved, about the various services the social workers offer, and how this partnership works effectively to enhance the success of each individual.
Learning Objectives
Participants can expect to do the following by the end of the training:
- Be familiar with the legal and evidence-based principles governing pretrial supervision and how supportive services differ from conditions of release
- Learn how to gather information about a person’s needs
- Understand the best practices for referring people for community-based services
- Hear how several stakeholders from one jurisdiction implemented an innovative program designed to support people on pretrial release
- Be familiar with APPR resources and the APPR Community
Training Faculty
The trainers for this session have many years of experience with pretrial justice, especially pretrial supervision.
Dr. Kelvin L. Banks, associate director, Center for Effective Public Policy
Dr. Banks has over 20 years of experience in the justice system, with most of the past 10 years in pretrial justice. He was previously the director for Harris County Pretrial Services and the Third Circuit Court of Michigan’s Pretrial Services.
Eric Schmidt, manager, Oakland County Pretrial & Justice Services
Mr. Schmidt oversees evidence-based programming, both pre- and post-adjudication, which includes the organization’s Pretrial Services Unit, Pretrial Supervision Unit, Step Forward day reporting center, and placement of individuals in sober residential housing as a jail sentence reduction. Mr. Schmidt has an undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University and a graduate degree from Central Michigan University. He also serves as the President-Elect for the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies (NAPSA).
Shayna L. Caleb, LMSW-C, social worker, Oakland County Public Defender’s Office
Ms. Caleb is one of the social workers at the Oakland County Public Defender’s Office. For the past seven years, she has dedicated herself to serving individuals facing mental health challenges, substance use issues, socioeconomic difficulties, domestic violence, and interactions with the criminal justice system. In the last one and a half years, Ms. Caleb has worked with indigent defense clients, helping them maintain bond compliance, obtain mitigation for sentencing, and address the injustices that can occur as people navigate the criminal justice system. She holds a bachelor of social work from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s in social work from Wayne State University.
Application Process
If you are interested in attending the training session on May 29, complete the registration application by Thursday, May 22.
Participation is limited, and priority consideration will go to pretrial services staff and pretrial practitioners. Space is also available for national technical assistance providers.
APPR will make selection decisions immediately after the May 22 registration deadline. Confirmed participants will receive additional information about the training, including how to attend the sessions and access related resources.
Please direct any questions to Samuel Steed, operations assistant at the Center for Effective Public Policy, at ssteed@cepp.com.