New Housing Unit Opens at Idaho Correctional Center

BOISE, Idaho – After nearly a year of construction and renovation, the new Therapeutic Community housing unit at the Idaho Correctional Center (ICC) began receiving inmates this week. With the addition of this 304-bed structure, Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), which operates ICC, is now capable of housing 2,104 inmates at this facility.

The therapeutic community is designed to create an environment for social learning and change and targets inmates with substance abuse problems. Inmates housed in the therapeutic community have the opportunity to live in a community setting where they have peer support and a highly intensive learning experience. Their behavior and attitudes are constantly monitored as part of the daily structure and corrected or reinforced as necessary. Inmates develop more effective social skills through daily meetings, work assignments, and the peer group process.

Inmates in the program have access to counseling, education and other treatment programs, such as Relapse Prevention and Cognitive Self-change. Upon completion of the program, inmates will have developed positive values and lifestyles that will assist them to be more productive members of society upon their release.

"Our staff has been looking forward to the completion of this housing unit," explained Warden Phillip Valdez. "By housing these individuals in an area that is remote from the remainder of the general population, they will be able to focus on the various stages of the recovery process with fewer interruptions."

Staff who work with the therapeutic community program serve as role models by demonstrating proper attitudes, behaviors and the shared values of the therapeutic community. Treatment staff ensure that the inmates understand the basic requirements of the program, document their progress, and assist with locating after-care in the community upon their release.

CCA strives to provide quality programs and opportunities for self-improvement for the inmates housed in CCA facilities. Habilitation and rehabilitation programs are designed to assist inmates with developing functional skills and lifestyles, as well as regaining emotional and physical health.

About ICC
The Idaho Correctional Center is a 2,104-bed facility located south of Boise and operated by Corrections Corporation of America (CCA). The facility, which is nationally accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC), opened in 2000 and is operated under contract with and oversight by the Idaho Department of Correction. CCA is committed to providing a wide range of programs that will benefit the inmates and assist them with reintegration into society.