The Crime and Justice Institute (CJI) partnered with the New Jersey State Parole Board, Division of Parole to develop and launch the C.A.R.E. training program, an evidence-based, sustainable approach to modernizing parole supervision and improving public safety, as seen in their promotional video.
To strengthen parole supervision and reduce recidivism, the New Jersey State Parole Board partnered with the Crime and Justice Institute (CJI) to launch Caseload Awareness and Refresher Education (C.A.R.E.), an evidence-based parole training initiative that equips officers with practical tools for effective case management, promotes long-term behavior change, and improves public safety statewide.
Building on the successful launch of C.A.R.E., CJI and the Parole Division recently introduced a Train-the-Trainer course to ensure the program’s sustainability and consistent delivery across the state.
Developed in close collaboration with the Parole Division, the C.A.R.E. curriculum and Train-the-Trainer course reflect the expertise of CJI’s Deputy Director Valerie Meade, Policy Specialists Cortnee Eakins and Jessica Patterson, and Manager Caitlin Flood—with digital, visual, and training curricula design contributions from Amanda Coscia and Ashley Neufeld, to create an engaging, interactive learning experience.
A Model for Evidence-Based Parole Training
Grounded in research and adult learning principles, the C.A.R.E. curriculum helps parole officers apply proven strategies in real-world supervision settings. The Train-the-Trainer course empowers the Parole Division to continue delivering the curriculum independently—maintaining consistent instruction and reinforcing evidence-based supervision practices long after CJI’s direct support concludes.
This sustainable approach expands statewide training capacity and ensures that New Jersey’s parole officers remain equipped with the skills and knowledge to promote successful reentry and improve public safety outcomes over time.
The curriculum covers a comprehensive set of topics, including:
- Principles of Effective Supervision
- Core Correctional Practices
- Motivational Interviewing
- Effective Case Management
- Cognitive Restructuring Tools
- Graduated Responses
- Purposeful Supervision
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Behavioral Health
- Crisis Intervention
Strengthening Systems Through Partnership and Innovation
The recent Train-the-Trainer course included one Field Training Officer and one Sergeant from each district office. While nine participants earned full certification, all 38 attendees participated in teachbacks designed to strengthen their capacity to lead training locally.
Chief Kimberly Cavanaugh commended the collaborative process, noting:
Collaborating with CJI has been an important opportunity for our agency’s growth and has been a great partnership to protect us as an agency.”
The initiative also drew interest from the Division of Parole’s recruitment and communications team, which featured the event in a promotional video. Participants reflected on the impact of positive reinforcement and behavior change:
Successful parole termination is part of the goal, but a better goal is to not commit another crime when the person is done with parole.”
“I understand now that these accomplishments are a big deal…for some folks this is their first accomplishment ever.”
View their promotional video to hear more insights about the course and its impact on participants.
CJI’s Role in Modernizing Supervision Systems
CJI supports justice agencies nationwide through policy development, implementation support, and workforce training grounded in research and innovation.
CJI’s work in New Jersey reflects a broader national effort to modernize supervision systems and scale evidence-based practices across the justice landscape. Through training, technical assistance, and policy guidance, CJI helps state and local agencies translate research into effective, sustainable practice, ensuring that supervision strategies improve outcomes for individuals and communities alike.
By combining trusted implementation expertise with tailored, innovative learning design, CJI strengthens the capacity of justice agencies nationwide to achieve measurable system improvement.
Get Support for Your Agency
Interested in bringing evidence-based training and technical assistance to your agency?
Contact cjiconnect@cjinstitute.org or visit our Training Page to explore CJI’s full range of justice system training programs and implementation support services.
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