Innovation in Corrections Webinar: Nebraska
Featuring the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Rob Jeffreys
Director Jeffreys has big goals to increase public safety across Nebraska Department of Correctional Services and is partnering with both state and local organizations to ensure the best opportunities for success for the people under the care of the Department of Corrections. Join Director Jeffreys, Chris Poulos with the Center for Justice and Human Dignity, and Dr. Lisa Clements of the Tom Clements Foundation for a conversation about how Nebraska is driving innovation and achieving big results.
Key Themes:
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Restorative Justice at the Core
The panel emphasized shifting from punishment to accountability, healing, and community reintegration.
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Data-Driven Change
Reform must be guided by measurable outcomes—tracking trends like recidivism, education gains, and system equity.
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Collaboration Across Stakeholders
Successful reform engages corrections officers, formerly incarcerated individuals, community partners, and leadership in building solutions.
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Holistic Reentry Support
Addressing the full spectrum of human needs—housing, mental health, employment—reduces reoffending and promotes public safety.
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Culture and Policy Transformation
Sustainable change depends on evolving the institutional culture and dismantling policies that perpetuate harm.
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Who Should Watch:
If you’re a corrections professional, policymaker, advocate, or community member invested in justice reform, this webinar offers concrete ideas and inspiring examples to help shape the future of our systems. You’ll come away with actionable strategies to implement in your own work.
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This event was sponsored jointly by the Clements Foundation, The Center for Justice and Human Dignity, and Nebraska DOCS and was streamed live. The recording is now being offered free of charge to the public.
Challenge questions for your department
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What metrics are you currently tracking—and what crucial ones might be missing?
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How are folks with lived experience engaged in your decision-making processes?
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What existing policies create a punitive environment, and how could they be reoriented toward restoration?
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Is your staff trained to recognize trauma, and do they have the tools to respond effectively?
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How seamless is the transition from incarceration to community reentry in your system?
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What steps have you taken to collect and apply community input in corrections reforms?
Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. - Desmond Tutu​
Creating a safer criminal justice system starts with you
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Launch a Restorative Justice Pilot
Test peer mediation programs or restorative circles within a single facility unit.
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Establish Outcome Dashboards
Track key indicators (e.g., grievances, recidivism, education completion) to monitor trends over time.
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Engage Lived Experience Advisory Panels
Bring in formerly incarcerated people to advise policy and programming decisions.
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Create Reentry Resource Hubs
Partner with nonprofits to coordinate job training, housing search, and mental health care before release.
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Train Staff in Trauma-Informed Practices
Provide workshops to help staff understand trauma impacts and adapt interpersonal approaches.
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Learn more about Director Jeffrey’s vision for the future of Corrections
Read the Nebraska Department of Corrections' Strategic Plan.
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Policy Audits for Systemic Bias
Review policies that disproportionately affect marginalized groups and redesign with an equity lens.
Learn more about Nebraska's 5-Key Model for Reentry and Well-being Development™ - a transformative, evidence-based approach to rehabilitation that recognizes the inherent strengths within each individual. It is designed to support personal growth and long-term success by addressing the key components of well-being that are critical for successful reintegration into the community.
By integrating these five keys into the reentry process, the model not only enhances an individual's well-being but also significantly improves their chances of successful reintegration. When people have the tools to think differently, cope effectively, engage in meaningful work, and build strong relationships, they are far more likely to avoid reoffending and contribute positively to their communities.
