School to Prison & Innovative Ideas to Curb the Flow Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Join Robert Davis as he shares his knowledge, experience and insights from his background and experience working as an educator and correctional counselor with the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation. Over the span of his twenty-year career, Robert witnessed first-hand the workings of the Prison Industrial Complex and how as taxpayers the public would be shocked as to how their tax dollars are being spent. What stood out to Robert was the sheer number of individuals locked up that grew up in our early education system as promising young people only to be criminalized at an early age and became statistics of the criminal justice system. Usually, these young people experience time in the Juvenile Justice system then graduate on to become adult prison numbers with little hope of literally no escaping the system. Black, Indigenous, and students of color are disproportionately affected by the system. These students are more likely to face suspension, expulsion and arrest than their white peers for similar behaviors. Studies show that Black students are about 3.5 times more likely to be suspended than white students, and they are more likely to face arrest at school. Once in the system, they may face significant barriers to reintegrating into school and society, increasing the likelihood of recidivism and continued involvement with the justice system as adults. Students who are subject to harsh disciplinary actions often experience negative health outcomes. The stigmatization they face can lead to anxiety, depression, and trauma, further compounding their disengagement from school to society. The road to prison via the educational system is a systemic issue that disproportionately impacts students of color, low-income students, and those with disabilities. It criminalizes behavior that could be better addressed through supportive and restorative interventions, pushing vulnerable youth out of the education system and into the criminal justice system. Joining Robert on today's show is Jamal Fort, CEO of Flowlab Inc. CEO of Flowtech Educational Technologies, Inc. Jamal will be discussing a new and innovative approach to integrating cutting-edge technologies such as Virtual Reality, Augumented Reality and neurofeedback into our programs, where we can address the underlying psychological and cognitive issues that contribute to criminal behavior. The advent of these advanced technologies has opened new avenues for innovative rehabilitation methods. These technologies have been tested and proven effective, offering more immersive, engaging, and personalized therapeutic experiences. As in other industries, the model moving forward is clear: innovate or perish. These innovations must be implemented and structured for our evolution in future automation, ensuring sustainable and effective rehabilitation practices.