The California Jail Programs Association (CJPA) is the only organization that addresses the multiple challenges of inmate programming and custodial services in California. The membership is made up of both sworn and non-sworn professionals in corrections, program management, educational, vocational, psych-social services, recreation, pastoral care and behavioral health, from both large and small county jails. CJPA members understand the unique aspects of jail programming and services.

The goal of CJPA is to rapidly share information, review best practices and evidence based modalities in program delivery. We are invested in developing programs and services that meet the demands of the increasing inmate population with cost effective, results oriented programming, in a safe and secure environment. We network to review innovative practices that improve the quality of inmate programs in any agency despite dwindling budget resources. Professional inmate programs and services have been proven to reduce recidivism and assist facilities maintain a safer environment for detention staff.

CJPA meetings are held quarterly alternating between Northern and South California in order to accommodate the largest number of agencies.

Business Plan

Executive Summary

The purpose of CJPA at its inception in 1984 remains the same today, 29 years later – to create an avenue for jail professionals to meet regularly in order to gain access to their colleague’s accomplishments in developing, implementing, and monitoring in-custody educational and service programs that contribute to the reduction of recidivism by providing the interventions for inmates to achieve successful community reintegration.

Shared access to resources involves educational, vocational, religious, substance abuse, and recreational programming opportunities as well as the multitude of services provided to support the incarcerated in our communities is of great value to all members; shared information is key to strengthening our own organizations/agencies by providing opportunities to the membership to learn from each other’s success and challenges.

CJPA has a constitution and by-laws that serve as governing documents. It is a designated 501c3; collects annual membership dues; pays for organizational expenses and training opportunities for the membership; and complies with the tax requirements of the State of California. Elected executive officers, to include a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and member-at-large, govern the association.

The CJPA Membership

• Jail professionals involved in inmate programming, operations planning, and jail service related departments.
• Membership includes criminal justice partners from the courts, probation, and the community.

Services Provided

• Networking opportunities with jail professionals throughout the state of California.
• Reduce workload by accessing the shared resources available via membership.
• Personal contacts to provide immediate response and assistance for emergent issues.
• Training opportunities available for all levels of jail personnel involved with inmate programs and services.
• Responsive email list serve access to all members.

Outcome

• The combined efforts of all CJPA members will result in organization with even greater value to the entire membership because of the diversity, experience, and strengths of its active membership.
• CJPA’s impact on the industry is immeasurable as it provides automatic relationships with jail professionals throughout the state that are experiencing and resolving the comparable problems and issues.
• CJPA members remain united in our efforts to continue to serve as programmatic advocates representing our professional industry specific interests

Learn more about our CJPA Board Members!