Technical Assistance

What is Technical Assistance?

Technical assistance (TA) refers to the specialized guidance, assessment(s), or training(s) provided by a subject matter expert (SME) to a participating local or tribal agency (in most cases, a jail). The SME serves in an advisory capacity and works with the agency in various capacities, including, but not limited to, assessing operations and programs, implementing new policies or practices, and improving the overall management, operations, and programming within the agency/facility.

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• • The JJSC will work with jurisdictions to provide customized TA related to the JJSC core topics with a targeted focus on life, health, and safety issues.
  • If there are any general issues that do not pose significant (Definition 2) risk to the life, health, and safety of the staff, incarcerated population, and/or visitors, we will refer those TA requests to other external providers who have resources allocated for the JJSC.
  • A training and technical assistance plan (TA) is developed with your agency to provide TA over an estimated six- to nine-month period to assist agencies in addressing their needs and build agency capability for sustainability.
  • TA is available both onsite and virtually to provide in-depth assessments, strategic or long-range planning, peer learning, educational seminars, training, consultation, coaching, and more by one or more experienced SMEs who serve in an advisory capacity and work closely with agency staff. An agency may request assistance to accomplish the following:

• • • Assess policies, practices, operations, and programs
    • Implement effective practices
    • Receive a specialized training
    • Improve agency management, operations, and programming
    • Increase knowledge and implementation of best practices, emerging technologies, and new models
    • Enhance jurisdiction-wide collaboration
    • Engage in peer learning opportunities