In the field of violence prevention, effective written communication is essential for driving meaningful change. Presenters David S. Prescott, LICSW, Kelly Socia, PhD, and Jill Levenson, PhD, LCSW, designed this training to provide professionals from diverse backgrounds with the skills necessary for articulating their ideas clearly and impactfully and the strategies necessary for publishing their work.

The training offers an exploration of professional writing techniques, addressing key challenges faced by aspiring authors and content creators. Participants discover innovative techniques for integrating writing into their demanding schedules, along with practical methods for creating high quality written work and identifying potential collaborators who can enhance the work. The presenters help participants develop their expertise in niche areas and position themselves as authorities on specific topics.

The Cornerstone Program in rural upstate New York is navigating significant challenges, including limited resources and a 41% staffing vacancy rate as of January 2024. Despite these hurdles, it continues to expand services and maintain low recidivism rates among participants. This training, led by the Senior Director and Director of Clinical Services of the Cornerstone Program, explores how the program survives under such constraints.

The presenters, Sarah Louer and Ashley Wilfore, outline how the DPSs use the ARMIDILO-S assessment tool to guide decision-making and least-restrictive supervision while working within a staffing crisis. The presenters share how human rights remain at the forefront of the Cornerstone Program’s decisions and how administrators and Clinicians prevent the program from becoming overly restrictive with technology or staff.

Additionally, the presenters discuss innovative housing projects developed throughout the staffing crisis, designed to deliver specialized services for people dually diagnosed while minimizing staffing requirements.

It is imperative for treatment programs across the globe to share successful strategies that implement evidence-based approaches under resource constraints, especially in the context of this long-term staffing crisis.