Peer Exchanges
Rulo Strategies offers opportunities for professionals to connect, learn from each other, and share best practices. This includes supporting staff interested in starting or improving jail-based treatment programming, including medication-assisted treatment. The goal of peer exchanges is to share best practices, real-world examples, and lessons learned, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement across correctional systems.
What are peer exchanges?
Peer exchanges are structured learning opportunities that allow staff from one correctional facility to visit another facility to observe, engage, and learn from promising practices in areas such as medication-assisted treatment, continuity of care, and reentry support. Participants see effective strategies in action, ask questions relevant to their facility’s needs, and return equipped with practical insights and solutions to enhance their operations.
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Focus on problem-solving
Peer exchanges center around common challenges or goals, with mentor sites providing feedback, insights, and actionable ideas to help attendees address specific issues.
2
Exchange best practices
Attendees interact with each other to observe promising practices in action, discuss real-world challenges, and identify solutions that can be adapted or replicated in their own facility.
3
Establish networks
Attendees frequently develop ongoing professional relationships and networks, supporting continuous improvement beyond the site visit.
Meet the mentors
Jail-Based MAT Peer Exchange Mentor Sites
The mentor sites listed below represent established and innovative programs that have demonstrated successful outcomes around jail-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Clackamas County, OR
rural & suburban
Clackamas County Jail showcases how to build sustainable local programs through strategic partnerships, strong contract language, and creative use of federal funding. Its MAT program began in 2019.
Fairfax County, VA
suburban
Fairfax County Detention Center showcases how workforce training, clear medical protocols, and strong community partnerships create a comprehensive MAT program. Its MAT program began in 2020.
Franklin County, MA
rural
Franklin County Jail demonstrates a trauma‑informed approach to correctional healthcare and the rigor of becoming a licensed Opioid Treatment Program. Its MAT program began in 2016.
Hampden County, MA
urban
Hampden County Correctional Center highlights the power of extensive community networks and satellite facilities that connect participants to housing, treatment, and jobs. Its MAT program began in 2019.
LaSalle County, IL
rural
LaSalle County Correctional Facility shows how a rural facility addresses staffing challenges while implementing opioid‑based withdrawal management to bridge individuals into MAT. Its MAT program began in 2018.
SCORE, WA
urban
South Correctional Entity (SCORE) emphasizes whole person care, regional partnerships, and a culture of buy‑in across staff to sustain effective programming. Its MAT program began in 2016.
Meet the mentors
Other Jail-Based Substance Use Programming Peer Exchange Mentor Sites
These sites do not currently meet all of the criteria for the jail-based MAT mentor site program. Still, they have implemented creative innovations that will help the field tackle specific challenges and address areas of interest when working with individuals navigating substance use.
Chesterfield County, VA
urban
Chesterfield County Jail supports individuals through the help of professionals such as counselors, peers, navigators, and case workers.
Middlesex County, MA
urban
Middlesex Jail and House of Correction values the significance of family outreach with its Family Support Service Unit.
Essex
County, MA
rural
Alongside providing supportive programs, Essex County Correctional Facility is a licensed Opioid Treatment Program (OTP).
Pinal
County, AZ
suburban
Pinal County Jail supports reentry through a trauma-informed model, cross-sector partnerships, and data-driven programming.
get in touch with us
Participate in a peer exchange for free.
Typically lasting one and a half days, these exchanges are designed to increase the knowledge and capacity of participating agencies by providing hands-on experiences, guided tours, and interactive discussions with mentor staff.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions about participating in a peer exchange.
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Peer exchanges last a day and a half and include facility tours, presentations, meetings with leadership, Q&A sessions, and discussions on policy, implementation challenges, and lessons learned.
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Requesting sites may apply to send up to three travelers on the peer exchange. Requesting sites are encouraged to send representatives who will benefit most from the exchanges and can steer outcomes and organizational changes upon return to their home agency.
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There is no cost to participate, as this program is supported by the Bureau of Justice Assistance within the Office of Justice Programs at the U.S. Department of Justice. Attendees pay for their travel expenses upfront and are reimbursed within 30 days of the completed peer exchange.
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After the exchange, the visiting agency is required to complete an assessment to determine if the visit met expectations and to document potential outcomes and areas for further support.