| LOCATION: Corrections > Rehabilitation Programs |
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 Research shows that increased educational opportunities for inmates result in lower recidivism. MTC is committed to preparing inmates to become productive members of society by offering a number of educational, vocational and life skills programs for inmates at its facilities. Although specific programs may differ depending on client requirements, each facility offers three core program components:Orientation All offenders entering MTC facilities are required to complete a 40-hour orientation program. This program provides each offender with specific long- and short-term goals while at the facility. Assessments are conducted in education (literacy and numeracy), vocational skills, career exploration and substance abuse. In addition to assessments, offenders are acquainted with the educational and vocational offerings available. Transition planning for those offenders who will be paroled from an MTC facility also begins during orientation. We want each offender to begin preparing for a productive life after prison from the day they enter. Finally, offenders are provided with information on the facility’s security regulations. These include inmate grooming and cleanliness expectations, the wearing of identification cards, expected behavior, the disciplinary process, and yard and mail regulations. Once the information is provided to the inmates, they can be held responsible for any rule infractions. Cognitive Programming Cognitive skills training is simple in its premise, but difficult in its application. Offenders have to be taught the thinking and reasoning skills they failed to acquire throughout their life experiences. They need to learn how to replace their impulsive reactions with new thinking processes. This involves hard work, patience and the use of the right tools for changing behavior. In MTC’s cognitive skills training, offenders become aware of their thinking biases through structured exercise and practice, not through lectures or confrontation. The program also uses exercises, role-playing, motivational materials, affirmations, games and peer group discussions as an effective way to help offenders understand cognitive competencies. Education Each facility has an offender management tracking system that monitors the educational achievement levels and number of inmates enrolled in academic programs. This helps MTC concentrate on those areas that will help inmates succeed after release. While the educational components taught at each facility vary depending on client requirements, all facilities offer courses in Adult Basic Education (ABE) and/or General Educational Development (GED), English as a Second Language (ESL) and life skills. | |
