All inmates that arrive at the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department and House of Correction are provided with an institutional orientation that provides the inmate with understanding of operations, expectations and responsibilities. Medical, Mental Health and Educational testing is also conducted during this time period.
During this orientation phase inmates are screened for their risk of repeating criminal behavior using the LSI-R:SV screening (published by Multi-Health Systems Inc., N. Tonawanda, NY). The screening score indicates an inmate’s level of risk for recidivism as well as criminal behavior. This is a highly predictive and valid research-based tool.
The Challenge: Put High-Risk Offenders on Notice
The major idea put forward is that correctional programs should target the criminogenic risk/need areas outlined above. More specifically, programs should target those risk/need areas that are “Dynamic” (i.e. changeable) as opposed to “Static” (unchangeable).
The LSI-R: SV samples the domains of employment, family and substance abuse; these items not only contribute to the predictive validity of the LSI-R: SV, but also tap some of the information important to offender treatment planning.
The LSI-R: SV was designed to maximize the use of the least restrictive criminal sanctions and to ensure that high-risk offenders that require the greatest attention receive that attention.
For example, while criminal history is considered a static risk factor (cannot be changed), criminal thinking is considered dynamic (changeable) and therefore should be targeted with specific interventions. So while all of the aforementioned criminogenic factors contribute to one’s overall level of risk, only certain areas are appropriate targets for correctional intervention.
High-risk offenders should be prioritized for targeted intervention in the correctional setting as well as the community. (Accountability Pod) Research indicates that a “one size fits all” approach should be avoided. Programs should vary, therefore, in terms of their duration and intensity. Programs should be matched to meet the specific levels of risk/need of targeted offenders.
PHASE I: Fundamental Programming
Purpose
Benefit
Process
Purpose
Benefit
The PHASE II Transitional Program greatly reduces the idle time of offenders while targeting criminogenic risk factors during the first 5 weeks of incarceration.
This model addresses the Core programming needs for every sentenced offender, capitalizing on the significant success, and culture-changing approach provided in Phase I.
Transitional Program “Intensive Regimen” Model
Offenders must complete approximately 5 weeks of core programming for other considerations such as moves to lower security.
Core Programs:
During Phase II, men attend a 4 week Transitional Program in which they participate in core programming classes that focus more intensely on substance abuse, anger management, cognitive thinking, and victim impact. Phase II classes also focus on vocational skills, employment, and career resources through a Learn 2 Earn curriculum developed by The Corrections Learning Network. This pre-employment training is enhanced by vocational program and industry overviews that each vocational instructor presents during the 4-week program. Education Program staff discusses the Adult Basic Education and college level programs offered here in a curriculum entitled Why School? Emphasis is also placed on reintegration services and post-release planning from this early point in an inmate’s period of incarceration.
Women attend a 4-week Transitions Program that has been carefully crafted to meet the gender specific needs of female offenders. Program staff teaches curriculum units such as Beginners Addiction Program, Staying Out of Jail, Exploring the World of Work, and Thinking about Relationships.
PHASE III: Program Mapping
Mapping Meetings & Required Start Dates
Mapping Meetings is the vehicle to assign inmates into PHASE III core programs. PHASE III programs are tailored to address the specific needs of each inmate. At each Mapping Meeting, Managers provide required program start dates for each inmate in order to continue to address the major criminogenic risk factors of each individual. Inmates are assigned required start dates and times for the Core Programs to Include but are not limited to the following:
Phase III Core Programs:
After completing the Transitional Programs, each sentenced offender is required to participate in the mandatory programs outlined in his/her Individual Service
Plan (ISP). The ISP is developed and based on the results of the LSI screening and psychosocial assessments completed by counselors during Phase II. Offenders begin Phase III programs within one week of completing Phase II. The weekly ISP Mapping Meeting has been instituted to ensure the prioritized and organized matriculation of inmates into Phase III programs.
Phase III programs are designed to help inmates gain skills and abilities to avoid re-offense in the future. Inmates experience a busy and productive 40-hour “work week” during their sentence here. The programs offered are designed to address core criminogenic factors and to provide a continuum of services as the offenders step down to lower security settings. The Phase III Programs are comprehensive in nature and cover a wide array of topics including:
For More In Depth Information on After Incarcerations Support Systems, Click Here!
If you would like more information on our programming regiment, please contact Andree Duval at 1-413-547-8000 x2459 or e-mail her at andree.duval@sdh.state.ma.us
SUBSTANCE ABUSE:
Substance abuse programs are offered in our men’s units, women’s units, Pre-release Center , Day Reporting, and at the Western Massachusetts Correctional Alcohol Center .
FOCUS
Breakthrough
28 Day Intensive Substance Abuse Treatment
Basic Life Skills Training
Ongoing Treatment
Ethos Discharge Planning
AA Meetings
NA Meetings
New Attitudes
Pathways Community Treatment
Relapse Prevention
Residential Treatment Programs
Blind Spots/Issues of Denial
Basic Drug and Alcohol Education
EDUCATION:
Education classes are offered for men and women at our main institution, Pre-release Center, Day Reporting, and at the Western Massachusetts Correctional Alcohol Center.
Pre GED
GED Preparation and testing
Special Education
Title I
ESL – Beginner
ESL – Intermediate
College Classes – STCC
Voices from the Inside
Creative Writing
Father’s Work
Mother/Child Connection
Parenting
Family Program
Couples Support Program
Christian Fellowship
Protestant Services
Protestant Choir
Catholic Bible Study
Catholic Masses
English Bible Study
English Video Bible Study
Islamic Community Meeting
Islamic Daily Prayer
Islamic Jummu’a Prayer
Islamic Quranic Studies
Jehovah’s Witness
R.E.C. Bible Study
R.E.C. Reunion
Rescue Mission
Shiloh 7 th Day Adventist Bible Study
Spanish Bible Study
Spanish Choir
Spanish Protestant Services
Spokesman’s Club Bible Study
Russian Bible Study
Veterans in Prison Program
VOCATIONAL:
Vocational Training is offered to men and women offenders at the Main Institution, Pre-release Center, Day Reporting, and at the Western Massachusetts Correctional Alcohol Center.
Vocational Exploration Program
Pre-employment Training Program
Business Vocational Skills
Culinary Arts
Custodial Maintenance Training
Graphic Arts
Construction Trades
Welding Shop
York Street Industries
Keyboarding Metro Farming Project
Barber/Beautician Apprentice
Auto Shop
Job Search
PERSONAL/EMOTIONAL AND ATTITUDES :
Life Management Skills
Anger Management Treatment
Domestic Violence Reduction Group
Sex Offender Education Group
Sex Offender Treatment Group
Despierta
Conflict Resolution
Anger Basics
Channeling your Anger
Love and Violence I & II
Trauma Program I&II
Victim Impact
Interpersonal Relationships
Thinking for Changes
Self-esteem
Community Accountability Board
Community Service
Transition to Community
Criminal Thinking
Stress and Anger Management
AIDS Education
Diabetes Education
Men’s Health
Fitness for Life
Women’s Health Issues
Wellness Training
Barber Shop
Gym Worker
Kitchen
Library
Peer Educator
Peer Literacy Tutor
Facility Maintenance
Grounds Maintenance
Laundry
Hairdressers
Warehouse Workers