About the Minnesota Cognitive-Behavioral Network
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.
Contact Information
For more information regarding the Minnesota Cognitive-Behavioral Network or cognitive-behavioral programming, please feel free to contact the CogNet Chairs:
Shannon Olean
EBP Coordinator
Dakota County Community Corrections
1 Mendota Road West
West St. Paul, MN 55118
651.554.6608
shannon.olean@co.dakota.mn.us
Nicole Knutson
EBP Coordinator
Dakota County Community Corrections
1 Mendota Road West
West St. Paul, MN 55118
651.554.6073
Nicole.knutson@co.dakota.mn.us
