Vermont Correctional System Unveils First Strategic Plan in 35 Years Amid Staffing Crisis

Vermont's correctional system is undergoing significant changes aimed at improving its operations and addressing staffing challenges, as highlighted in a recent Senate Judiciary Committee meeting. The Department of Corrections presented its first strategic plan in over 35 years, focusing on four key priorities: enhancing staff welfare, improving the health and wellness of incarcerated individuals, promoting diversity and inclusion, and modernizing facilities and practices.

The meeting underscored the unique structure of Vermont's correctional system, which combines both sentenced and detained individuals under a unified model. This approach, shared by only four other states, allows for a more streamlined management of resources. However, the system is currently facing a staffing crisis, exacerbated by the pandemic and long mandatory shifts that deter potential hires. The department is actively working to address these issues, emphasizing the importance of supporting staff and their families.

In terms of population management, Vermont boasts one of the lowest incarceration rates in the country. The department reported a current capacity of 35%, well below the American Correctional Association's recommended maximum of 85%. This allows for flexibility in managing the population, particularly as discussions arise around potential policy changes that could increase detention rates.

The strategic plan also aims to enhance the health services provided to incarcerated individuals, recognizing the complex needs of this population. The department is committed to ensuring that individuals leave the system healthier than when they entered, which is expected to improve their reintegration into the community.

As Vermont navigates these challenges, the focus remains on creating a correctional system that not only serves justice but also prioritizes the well-being of both staff and those in custody. The committee's discussions reflect a commitment to reform and modernization, with an eye toward setting a national standard in corrections.