To Provide Statewide Training on Sex Offender Assessment, Treatment, Reentry, Supervision, and Monitoring as Identified by the Center for Sex Offender Management's Assessment of Montana

The Comprehensive Approaches to Sex Offender Management Training and Technical Assistance (CASOM) Grant Program, authorized by 42 U.S.C. 13941, supports training programs to assist probation officers, parole officers, and others who work with released sex offenders in the areas of case management, supervision and relapse prevention.

The State of Montana will underwrite statewide training to address the recommendations from a CSOM report and current events such as recent state and federal legislation, and GPS monitoring. In 2007, The Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) contracted with the Center for Sex Offender Management (CSOM) to conduct a third-party evaluation of Montana's sex offender management system. Though the State was commended for its efforts and promising practices, CSOM made several recommendations regarding training for law enforcement, probation and parole officers, therapist, and (to a smaller degree) judicial staff. Training will be provided using two modes: annual statewide conferences and on-line learning (for sustainability). The training audience will include local law enforcement, probation and parole, case managers, therapist/ treatment providers, victim advocates, and judiciary staff (judges, defenders, county attorneys). A CASOM workgroup will convene quarterly to identify specific training needs, and to evaluate completed training for on-going planning. The workgroup will identify training sessions, and local and national relevant speakers. A third-party will facilitate the workgroup to ensure neutrality. Representation will include members from all core stakeholder groups.

ca/ncf