ARETGroup

Background and Role

Chuck Prater began working with co-responders at the Harrisonburg Community Services Board (CSB) in 2020 and recently transitioned to Deputy Director of the Court Services Unit (CSU) in Rockingham County, Virginia. His work has exposed him to the challenges of managing large amounts of data across multiple partners, particularly when early recordkeeping relied on Excel spreadsheets and Word documents.

Data Management Challenges and Solutions

One of the greatest difficulties has been organizing and aligning information across different agencies. The introduction of a centralized database for court services de-escalation and diversion programs has transformed this process. According to Prater, the ability to sort data by timeframe makes oversight significantly more manageable. Beyond convenience, the ARETGroup database creates a shared but secure hub: agencies can contribute data while maintaining compliance with HIPAA and their internal policies.

Value of Centralized Data

Prater emphasizes that centralized, reliable data is critical for securing grant funding. Whereas five years ago he was more focused solely on direct services, his leadership role has shown him how essential data is for justifying funding requests. Having numbers from ARETGroup readily available allows the CSU and its partners to demonstrate impact, strengthen proposals, and ultimately bring more resources to their community.

Operational Impact

The database is particularly valuable in areas such as accounting for transfers of custody under emergency custody orders. Similarly, the system supports oversight of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, making it easy to see how many officers are trained and who needs to complete sessions.

Broader ARETGroup Program Benefits

Prater notes that the system is versatile and adaptable to many program areas, from pretrial services to probation, recovery courts, and therapeutic dockets. The ability to track an individual across multiple points in the justice and recovery system—sometimes spanning years—provides a richer picture of community impact and individual progress.

Partnership and Collaboration

Finally, Prater highlights the value of ongoing collaboration with ARETGroup developers and team members. He appreciates the openness to feedback and tailoring the platform to program needs. This partnership has not only improved daily operations but also generated tangible financial savings through grants.

Conclusion

For Prater, the transition from spreadsheets to a centralized, secure data system has been transformative. It has streamlined operations, improved grant readiness, strengthened partnerships, and expanded the CSU’s capacity to help the community. He describes the system as both a practical tool for day-to-day management and a strategic asset for long-term growth and sustainability.