North Dakota – The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (NDDOCR) announced that 19 team members from across the agency and partner facilities have been certified as trainers in the nationally recognized program How Being Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice Systems.

Developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s GAINS Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation and delivered by Policy Research Associates, Inc., the program equips participants with tools to apply trauma-informed practices in criminal justice settings. NDDOCR was selected through a competitive national process to certify trainers and expand the program statewide.

The newly certified trainers represent a wide range of experience, including staff from the Ward County Sheriff’s Department, Dakota Women’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Center, North Dakota State Penitentiary, Missouri River Correctional Center, James River Correctional Center, and North Dakota Parole, Probation, and Pretrial Services. Their backgrounds include corrections, law enforcement, behavioral health, professional development, and case management.

According to the Department, the initiative builds the foundation for a trauma-responsive system that supports safer outcomes for justice-involved individuals, families, victims, and staff. Officials said the effort reflects a broader cultural shift toward recognizing the impact of trauma and promoting healing throughout the criminal justice system.

The Department congratulated the 19 trainers for their commitment to advancing the program and strengthening public safety.