Inmate Rehabilitation

CCA understands that incarceration carries the responsibility of offender rehabilitation. It’s a responsibility we take seriously. The men and women who have made bad choices that landed them in prison still deserve to be treated as human beings. And that means making sure they are given the rehabilitation training and education that will allow them to make better choices when they leave. That’s why we offer high-quality medical treatment, substance-abuse treatment, academic education and vocational training. We go above and beyond government-run prisons because more is expected from us. And we expect more from our inmates, so they will have a better outcome when they leave our institutions.

Educational Services

Programs at CCA facilities offer many academic, vocational and life skills opportunities:

• Academic Education programs address inmate needs ranging from functional non-readers and the developmentally disabled to those pursuing GEDs and degree-seeking college-level students. Most students demonstrate dramatic gains in reading and math skills, advancing whole grade levels in months rather than years.

• Vocational Education provides job training that prepares inmates with the know-how and training for today's workplace. Inmates can be trained in carpentry, construction trades, computer programs and repair, horticulture, painting, plumbing and much more. CCA was the first corrections agency to achieve accreditation by the National Center for Construction Education and Research, a nationally recognized authority in construction and maintenance training quality. CCA is also an authorized testing center for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) program, which globally recognizes proficiency in Microsoft applications.

• Life Skills Education emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and concentrates on parenting and family dynamics, cognitive skills, interpersonal skills, substance abuse education and employability. These are the day-to-day strengths that help inmates positively face the challenges of independent living.

• Basic Education in Spanish, offered through the government of Mexico http://www.inea.org/web/ppal/ and http://www.conevyt.org.mx/, is available at several CCA facilities across the country. The program offerings include: Primaria (elementary school from 1st to 6th grades); Secundaria (grades 7 - 9); and Bachilleres (grades 10 - 12).

Addictions Treatment and Behavioral Programs

Studies show that many inmates have struggled with drug addiction. The ability to overcome that dependency and live a life of sobriety is connected to inmates' long-term success. That's why CCA is deeply committed to offering a variety of substance abuse supports and programs that meet inmates where they are.

• Substance Abuse Education includes a variety of educational programs that help inmates connect the dots between drug use and negative behavior. Many of these approaches are evidence-based; that means that changes in thinking are linked to subsequent changes in decision-making and behavior.

• Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program (RDAP) enables inmates on the path to recovery to live together in close-knit, supportive communities. They participate in individual and group counseling, commit to community job responsibilities and complete a variety of treatment activities. Depending on the facility and the inmate's needs, RDAP lasts from 20 weeks to 12 months.

  • Continuing Quality - To ensure continued delivery of cutting-edge treatment programs, CCA has implemented the use of nationally recognized, research-driven objective measures. The Criminal Thinking Scales and supporting instruments measure individual, group and program outcomes. These tools ensure consistent program delivery, continued development, and implementation of "best practices" and staff development.

• After (Continuing) Care through support groups and one-on-one guidance maintains the philosophies and strategies emphasized in previous treatment modes. Here, our counselors work to enhance re-entry skills and stress relapse prevention.

• Support Groups are offered to inmates who recognize a need for additional support to reinforce their path to recovery. These support groups include Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, faith-based programs and others.

Faith-based Programs

Chaplain and religious services are provided at all CCA facilities. All faith-based programs are voluntary, in adherence with the First Amendment and established policies and procedures. CCA actively recruits volunteers to provide religious services for inmates of all beliefs. Religious services and programs focus on the principles and knowledge needed to practice positive, life-changing values, attitudes and behaviors. CCA has developed partnerships with national and international faith-based ministries including: * Alpha USA

• Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College

• Celebrate Recovery Inside

• Child Evangelism Fellowship

• Champions for Life

• Habitat for Humanity

• Institute for Basic Life Principles

• Joni and Friends' Wheels for the World

• Joyce Meyer Ministries

• Prison Fellowship Ministries Aftercare

• Purpose-Driven Life

• School of Christ International

• Trinity Broadcasting Network

These programs are operated in compliance with the Constitution, agencies religious policies and procedures, and emphasize social recovery with a focus on character development. All are voluntary, non-denominational and non-sectarian.

Industry Work Programs

CCA facilities put inmates to work in modern programs that are aligned closely with outside companies.

Work opportunities allow inmates to earn money, learn job skills, develop a work ethic and enhance self-esteem. Participation in these programs enhances their opportunity to land a job after their release. Depending on the facility, the programs are either operated independently or as part of the Federal Prison Industry Enhancement Program.

Recreation

CCA views recreational time as an integral component of rehabilitation. When inmates participate in leisure activities, such as intramural sports, hobbies and gardening, they can develop positive relationships with others and strengthen their interpersonal skills, while nurturing talents and interests. Recreation may include but is not limited to:

• Leisure activities

• Intramurals

• Board games, card games, billiards and bingo

• Hobbies, including art, music, ceramics, photography and leather craft

• Sports

• Gardening