Inmate Programs

CCA understands that incarceration carries the responsibility of offender rehabilitation. Affording inmates the opportunity to develop necessary personal and social skills reduces the burden on both the criminal justice system and the taxpayers who fund it. Offenders in CCA institutions are offered programs designed to promote self-sufficiency and personal accountability.

Educational Services

Programs at CCA facilities offer a wide scope of academic, vocational, and life skills opportunities:

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

• Vocational Education provides job training suitable for the abilities of both low and high-functioning inmates. CCA was the first corrections agency-public or private-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, a globally recognized exam based proficiency certification 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.

• 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

CCA offers evidence-based addictions treatment programming in various modalities based on objective assessments and customer identified need.

• Substance Abuse Education includes a variety of educational programs that provide an opportunity for inmates to understand the negative impact of substance abuse. A cognitive component associates changes in thought patterns to changes in behavior and decision-making.

• Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program (RDAP) is a research-driven, evidence-based treatment model comprising the Transtheoretical Model of Change, Interactive Journaling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing in a modified therapeutic community environment. RDAP, in the residential modality, is designed to be nine to twelve months in duration. RDAP is also offered in a less intensive outpatient modality 20 weeks in duration for those with lower levels of assessed need. Other modalities may be available as needed.

  • 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 emphasizes philosophies of various support groups, relapse prevention, and reentry skills. Controlled environments offer the opportunity to practice the skill sets learned and new habits acquired during the term of treatment.

• Support Groups are offered to offenders who recognize a need for additional support to reinforce their personal recovery programs. These support groups include Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, faith-based programs, religious programs, Straight Ahead, and Thinking for a Change.

Faith-based Programs

Chaplain and Religious Services are provided at all CCA managed correctional facilities. All religious and faith-based programs are offered to the inmates on a voluntary basis and 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: * Institute for Basic Life Principles

• Purpose-Driven Ministry

• Champions for Life

• Wheels for the World

• Child Evangelism Fellowship

• School of Christ International

• Prison Fellowship Ministry

• Habitat for Humanity

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

CCA's Inmate Programs Department (IPD) to develops secular work programs that offer inmates meaningful work and employment opportunities that enhance existing skill sets and teach new marketable skills. Equally significant, aquiring positive social skills and understanding principles related to career development and employment are integral components of IPD’s Prison Industries Enhancement (PIE) Program.

To achieve these objectives, CCA has implemented two models. The Prison Industry Enhancement Certified Program (PIECP), which has been designated by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) as a Cost Accounting Center (CAC) and Prison Industry Enhancement - Like Program (PIELP), or service industry program, that is undesignated. Approval and oversight of this program is not provided by BJA, but is provided by the State Department of Corrections.

Recreation

CCA views recreational time as an opportunity for structured improvement of self-esteem and social skills. 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