NCJ Number
205443
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 66 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2004 Pages: 106-109
Date Published
April 2004
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The Willard Drug Treatment Program in Willard, NY, prepares drug-impaired offenders for work release and reduced recidivism in the community.
Abstract
This highly structured program mandates 90 days of intensive substance abuse treatment, followed by an individualized continuing care plan that includes intensive parole supervision and continuing treatment by providers licensed by the Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. Phase 1 of the program uses the disease model of recovery, intensive substance abuse treatment, cognitive-behavioral and motivational enhancement, and the military protocol and therapeutic community structure of the shock incarceration program. Residents wake at 5:30 am and are marched outside to the physical training deck at 5:55 am. For the next hour they engage in group exercises and a "company" run. After breakfast and showers, there is morning formation before engaging in program activities. Each group of residents (a platoon) is involved in all aspects of the program, which may include school, vocational training, alcohol/substance abuse treatment, confrontation, network training, individual counseling, group meetings, or a therapeutic work program. Of the 900 beds at the facility, approximately 800 are for males and 100 are for females. Females are programmed and housed separately from the males. When parolees first arrive at Willard, they are assessed, and a preliminary treatment plan is devised. They are assigned to a platoon according to their treatment needs. Each parolee's progress is shared with the community-based parole officer. The officer is prepared to manage the parolee's reentry, having marshaled and readied parolee access to community-based services tailored to the parolee's needs. Every parolee leaving Willard to return to the community has a release plan in place. By having parole staff on site and tailoring parole supervision to progress made in the 90-day residence program, a continuum of treatment is established to facilitate behavioral modification and positive reinforcement of progress made in the residential program.