Minnesota Cognitive-Behavioral Network

	Minnesota Cognitive-Behavioral Network Brochure PDF
	Cognitive Behavioral Interventions Subcommittee Report to the DOC Community Services Advisory Council, March 2001

The Minnesota Cognitive-Behavioral Network provides Probation Officers and others working with offenders the opportunity to:

	Exchange ideas;
	Gain knowledge of programs, training resources, contact information and implementation ideas;
	Offer and obtain support; and
	Participate in the state clearinghouse of information about cognitive-behavioral program implementation and sustainability.

The Minnesota Cognitive Network held its first meeting in October of 1998 to discuss start up plans. This was hosted by Dodge-Fillmore-Olmsted Community Corrections (DFO). Our first official meeting was January 1999 and was hosted by Washington County Community Corrections.

We have members from community corrections departments, institutions, and community-based programs. Anyone who is interested in or has already implemented cognitive-behavioral interventions with offenders is welcome to become part of our organization.

Benefits & Outcomes of Cognitive-Behavioral Programming

	Improved community safety through increased supervision and client contact. Cog groups meet once or twice weekly and target specific risk factors.
	Reduced cost to community through reduced crime and less need of expensive residential settings.
	Research based rationale which supports this approach with offender populations.
	Improved community collaboration through pooling of resources between private and public agencies in the delivery of services (i.e.: Cog groups).
	Pro-active vs. reactive approach to corrections.
	Expectation of positive progress with clients through direct action and targeting of specific risk factors for recidivism.
	Outcome measures which demonstrate the effectiveness of correctional programming.

Mission & Values

Our Mission:
The Minnesota Cognitive-Behavioral Network: Individuals sharing knowledge and promoting practices for effective implementation of evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral interventions for offenders.

We Value:

	Collaboration
	Personal and professional growth
	Service, program, and system integrity
	Personal responsibility and accountability
	Restorative Justice and community involvement
	Diversity and dealing with people with respect and dignity

Research has demonstrated that cognitive-behavioral interventions, effectively implemented with appropriate offenders, are successful in reducing offender recidivism. Cognitive-behavioral interventions target specific cognitive deficits (i.e.: manipulation, impulsivity, callousness, egocentricity, lack of guilt or remorse, low frustration tolerance, blaming others, concrete thinking, poor problem solving and interpersonal skills, difficulties with anger, rigid thinking, etc.) These interventions facilitate self-change and aid in the development of thinking skills used to cope with life situations.

Structure & Meetings

The Minnesota Cognitive Network meets quarterly throughout the state.

Meeting times and dates for 2008 as are follows:

DATE TIME LOCATION
HOST CONTACT
(Location questions to this person; responsible for Training Component)

CO-CHAIR FACILITATOR
(Send any agenda items you have to this person)

January 15, 2008

11 AM � 2 PM

Washington County

Corey Mabis

Scott Nyegaard

April 15, 2008

11 AM � 2 PM

Wright County

Karen Determan

T.J. Nelson

July 15, 2008

11 AM � 2 PM

St. Louis County

Scott Nyegaard

October 7, 2008

11 AM � 2 PM

DOC, St. Paul

Julie Jordan

T.J. Nelson

The meetings generally take 2-3 hours. Meetings consist of regional cog updates, training updates, dialogue and discussion, as well as a presentation by the host county as to how they have implemented cog interventions in their community.

Members do not pay dues at this time.

Goals & Objectives for 2007-2008

Goals discussed were as follows:

Complete first periodic newsletter to be distributed to stakeholders.
Complete at least 2 curricula training events within the next year.
Continue the enhancement of evaluation tools as they relate to measuring outcomes of specific cog programs.
Complete the Cog 101 power point training (with lesson plans).

Contact Information

For more information regarding the Minnesota Cognitive-Behavioral Network or cognitive-behavioral programming, please feel free to contact the 2007-08 information specialist:

Eric Johnson, Carver County
604 E 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
(952) 361-1466

MACCAC CONTACTS